This summer, there was uncertainty as to whether or not Brandon Aiyuk would play for the 49ers in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season. This was either because his contract dispute was still unresolved or because he had been traded to another team.

Yet despite the dramatic saga that ultimately ended with San Francisco extending its star wide receiver, Aiyuk was in the starting lineup for his team’s 32-19 win over the New York Jets on Monday night at Levi’s Stadium. However, he was unable to pick up exactly where he left off, with just two pass catches on five balls targeted — and a costly drop in the end zone.

After the game, fellow wide receiver Jauan Jennings revealed to reporters what he had told Aiyuk about taking one game at a time.

“I told (Aiyuk) this is just the first start, man, so we know how long this journey is going to be and we’re just taking it one game at a time,” Jennings said. “It just means a lot to me to have the guys back together, to have the band back together, and we had a heck of a concert tonight.”

“We had an amazing concert tonight.”

Jauan Jennings is grateful that the 49ers receiver group is back together 🎸 pic.twitter.com/IbDy7damG6

— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) 10 September 2024

Aiyuk and wide receiver Deebo Samuel were involved in transfer rumors during the offseason, but both remained with the team despite the rumors. While Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension to stay in San Francisco, Samuel and the 49ers agreed to a contract restructuring that reportedly created an additional $16.4 million in salary cap space.

After missing all of training camp before rejoining the team under his new contract, Aiyuk caught two passes for 28 yards on Monday against the Jets and let a near-touchdown pass from Brock Purdy slip through his hands in the end zone just before halftime.

“It was a dime. Crazy,” Aiyuk told reporters after the game about Purdy’s throw, noting that he would “definitely” catch it next week.

“It was ten cents.”

Brandon Aiyuk regrets dropping Brock Purdy’s near-touchdown pass pic.twitter.com/TKtvmCSXIF

— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) 10 September 2024

The 49ers offense rolled over the Jets’ vaunted defense despite Aiyuk’s rusty return, thanks to a stellar performance from running back Jordan Mason, who filled in for the injured Christian McCaffrey, as well as some key catches from Jennings and a crucial touchdown from Samuel.

And as Jennings said, San Francisco’s Week 1 win was just the first of many contests. After missing so much time in the offseason, it might take a little longer for Aiyuk to make an impact as one of Purdy’s best weapons.

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