Aiyuk should be headed for a key role in the 49ers' passing game with fellow wide receiver Deebo Samuel (groin) ruled out for Sunday's contest in Seattle, Jerry McDonald of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

EDGE Analysis

In addition to the opportunity for added targets, Aiyuk seems to be on the same page with head coach Kyle Shanahan, with both agreeing that the wideout has come a long way since he was reduced to a part-time role sharing snaps with Trent Sherfield early in the season. Samuel's absence for Week 13 (and possibly Week 14) leaves Aiyuk and tight end George Kittle as the far-and-away top options for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who has led the team to three straight wins while attempting 26 or fewer passes in each game. Aiyuk has done much better of late even with Samuel and Kittle competing for Garoppolo's attention, averaging 4.6 catches for 67.2 yards and 0.4 touchdowns on 6.4 targets per game in Weeks 8 through 12.