NFL Injury Update: Raiders’ Christian Wilkins, 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk Placed on PUP Lists Ahead of Training Camps….read more…
As NFL training camps ramp up ahead of the 2025 season, two notable players have landed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list: Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Both injuries raise questions for their respective teams as preseason preparation begins.
Wilkins Still Recovering From Foot Injury
Christian Wilkins, who joined the Raiders in the offseason after five impactful years with the Miami Dolphins, has been placed on the active/PUP list due to a lingering foot issue. Wilkins suffered the injury late in the 2024 season and has been rehabbing during the offseason program.
The Raiders had high hopes that Wilkins would be a major presence on the defensive line alongside Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce. His ability to stuff the run and collapse the pocket was a major draw for a Raiders defense that ranked in the bottom third in sacks and rushing defense last season.
Las Vegas signed Wilkins to a four-year, $110 million contract in March, making him one of the highest-paid interior defensive linemen in the NFL. That investment was made with the expectation that Wilkins would anchor the interior and set the tone defensively for new head coach Antonio Pierce.
According to team sources, Wilkins’ presence on the PUP list is precautionary. The organization is reportedly optimistic he’ll be ready before the regular season, though there is no official timetable for his return. The move ensures that Wilkins won’t participate in on-field drills at the start of camp but can be activated at any time once cleared.
Aiyuk’s Knee Issue Adds Uncertainty Amid Contract Tensions
Meanwhile, in San Francisco, star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been placed on the active/PUP list due to a knee issue. The news comes at a complicated time for Aiyuk, who is still in the midst of a contract dispute with the 49ers.
Aiyuk has not yet signed an extension and has made public comments suggesting he feels undervalued by the organization. While he reported for camp to avoid fines, the knee issue adds a new wrinkle to an already tense situation. Whether it is a minor injury or a more serious concern remains unclear, as the team has offered little detail.
The 26-year-old wideout is coming off a career year, posting 1,511 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024. He was a crucial component of Kyle Shanahan’s offense, especially as quarterback Brock Purdy developed into one of the NFC’s most efficient passers. His chemistry with Purdy and ability to stretch the field have made Aiyuk a fan favorite and a key contributor in the 49ers’ playoff runs.
Still, contract talks between Aiyuk and the team have not progressed as hoped. Earlier this summer, Aiyuk publicly questioned whether the 49ers valued him the way he believed he deserved. Talks were reportedly complicated by the presence of other big contracts on the 49ers’ books, including deals for Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Trent Williams.
Whether the knee issue is related to ongoing negotiations or a genuine health concern is a matter of speculation, but sources close to the team insist that Aiyuk is nursing a “nagging” injury and the team wants to err on the side of caution.
What the PUP List Means
Players placed on the active/PUP list can be activated at any point during training camp once they’re medically cleared. However, if they remain on the PUP list when the regular season begins, they’ll be required to miss at least the first four games of the season.
For Wilkins and Aiyuk, both players are currently on the active/PUP list — meaning they’re still eligible to practice once they’re healthy. It does not rule them out for Week 1, and both organizations have suggested that their placements are precautionary.
Still, any absence during training camp is valuable time lost — especially for Wilkins, who is joining a new team and learning a new defensive scheme. For Aiyuk, missing time only adds to the uncertainty around his contract situation and how it may affect his standing with the team.
Broader Implications for the Raiders and 49ers
For the Raiders, Wilkins’ absence leaves a major hole in the interior of their defense. Bilal Nichols and Jerry Tillery are expected to take on increased reps in his absence, but neither brings the same level of consistency or dominance as Wilkins. The team is hopeful that Wilkins will be ready by mid-August, though the full extent of his rehab remains private.
For the 49ers, Aiyuk’s absence shifts more responsibility onto Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings. First-round rookie Ricky Pearsall could also see additional snaps during camp as the team evaluates their depth at the position.
San Francisco also faces pressure from a competitive NFC West. If Aiyuk’s situation drags into the regular season or worsens, the offensive balance and rhythm that helped propel them to the NFC Championship Game last season could be disrupted.
Around the League: More PUP Placements
Wilkins and Aiyuk aren’t the only players hitting the PUP list to open training camp. Several other teams have made similar moves, including:
Dallas Cowboys: Offensive lineman Tyron Smith (knee)
New York Jets: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (Achilles, on schedule to return)
Baltimore Ravens: Running back Keaton Mitchell (ACL)
The flurry of PUP list announcements is common during the early days of training camp, as teams take inventory of who’s fully healthy and who needs more time before participating in full-contact drills. In many cases, players are activated within a week or two.
What’s Next
Training camps across the league will continue through early August, with preseason games beginning shortly thereafter. The Raiders open their preseason slate against the Seattle Seahawks, while the 49ers face the Los Angeles Chargers.
For now, fans and coaches alike will be watching closely to see how quickly Wilkins and Aiyuk return to the field — and whether their absences are minor setbacks or signs of bigger issues on the horizon. Both players are crucial to their teams’ success, and
their status will remain a top storyline throughout camp.
