San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is likely itching to get back on the field after suffering a season-ending injury in Week 7 last season, but he and the team may have broken an NFL rule as he works his way back from a torn ACL and MCL.

The San Francisco 49ers reportedly attempted to bolster their wide receiver depth by trading for John Metchie III, but the Philadelphia Eagles landed him instead.

Raiders head coach Pete Carroll has high praise for this crucial acquisition from the offseason after the loss to the 49ers.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/texans as 49ers Nearly Landed Texans’ John Metchie Before Eagles Trade.

For a moment during Saturday's preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders, it seemed as if the San Francisco 49ers had turned back the clock with an Owens streaking through the opposing secondary.

The Eagles acquired John Metchie III in a trade with the Texans, but the 49ers were also trying to make a move for the former Alabama star.

For the 49ers their health has become a greater concern than their preseason performance. They just need to make sure they have enough healthy bodies to keep their key starters out of harm's way. More than 20 players missed their preseason opener vs. the Denver Broncos with injuries, and that number could rise Saturday when they face the Raiders.

The 49ers kicker was on his way to being a shaky summer storyline until two kicks in the final minute bought him some breathing room.

But after Houston traded for former 1,100-yard receiver Christian Kirk back in March and taking Iowa State star Jayden Higgins in the second round of the 2025 draft, Metchie became expendable in a suddenly crowded receiver room that also features Braxton Berrios, Quintez Cephus, Xavier Hutchinson.