What happened: Brandon Aiyuk is seeking NFL reinstatement to resume playing, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. However, his prospects of returning to the field in the short term remain unpromising, even if he eventually becomes a free agent.

Why it matters: Aiyuk's path back to action is complicated by roughly $13 million in bonus forfeiture owed to the 49ers. With San Francisco sitting atop the NFC West at 6-1, the team faces little pressure to facilitate a swift resolution ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline.

What to watch: The NFL trade deadline arrives Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. ET.