Pearsall, the49ers' first-round pick in 2024, has been dealt a poor hand with injuries to begin his career. His season-ending knee surgery means that the 26-year-old will enter his fourth NFL season next year having played in just 20 games as a pro.
A gunshot woundhe suffered during an attempted robberybefore his 2024 rookie season limited him to 11 games. In 2025, Pearsall played in nine games while dealing with a PCL sprain. And before his 2026 season could begin, it was already over.
Here's what to know about Pearsall's status for 2026 and when he might return to action:
San Francisco 49ers -- Jerry Rice, 1985-2000, 19,247 yards
(USA TODAY Sports)
Las Vegas/Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders -- Tim Brown, 1988-2003, 14,734 yards
The 49ers announced they were placing Pearsall on season-ending injured reserve on Aug. 1, meaning he won't be eligible to play in 2026.
Last year, Pearsall sprained his PCL in Week 4, causing him to miss the next six games. According to 49ers general manager John Lynch, the third-year receiver never fully recovered from the ailment.
"Most (PCL injuries) resolve themselves without surgery," Lynch said. "Unfortunately, Ricky's did not."
Pearsall attempted to play through the lingering injury to start training camp, but his knee began swelling as he ramped up. The young wideout had to miss practice with a swollen knee on July 29, and he was ruled out for the season three days later.
Heading into the 2026 season, the 49ers will roll out a starting wide receiver trio of veteranMike Evans, who signed on in free agency;Deebo Samuel, who returned to the team after a year in Washington; and De'Zhaun Stribling, a second-round rookie.
Outside of the six receivers listed,San Franciscoalso has Pearsall (out for the season), free-agent signingChristian Kirk(IR – calf), andBrandon Aiyuk, who remains on the team's reserve/left squad list.
Ricky Pearsall stats
Pearsall has played in 20 games across his two NFL seasons so far. Here's his career by the numbers:
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Games (starts):20 (13)
Targets:99
Receptions:67
Receiving yards:928
Yards per reception:13.9
Touchdowns:3
Rushing:Five attempts for 43 yards (8.6 yards per attempt)
