49ers place rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall on season-ending injured reserve

San Francisco placed rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall on season-ending injured reserve on Saturday, ending his 2026 campaign. The 25-year-old suffered a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury in September that has now been deemed to require surgical repair, sidelining him for six to twelve months.

"He’s gutted," General Manager John Lynch said. "We’re gutted."

Lynch explained that the injury was initially managed with rest and rehabilitation, a common approach for PCL tears, but swelling returned during the first two practices of training camp, prompting further evaluation. "Most (PCL injuries) resolve themselves without surgery," Lynch added. "Unfortunately, Ricky’s didn’t."

The decision follows the 49ers’ recent acquisition of veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel, suggesting the team is bolstering its receiving corps after losing Pearsall. The roster also includes Mike Evans, a six-time Pro Bowler, and rookie second-round pick De’Zhaun Stribling, though Stribling missed practice with hamstring tightness.

Pearsall, the No. 31 pick in the 2024 draft, entered the league after a tumultuous rookie year that included a gunshot wound and limited playing time. In his first three seasons he recorded 67 receptions for 928 yards and three touchdowns, but missed 31 of 51 possible games due to injuries.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan, who is recovering from concussion symptoms after a July car crash, addressed the team during camp and was seen on the sidelines, a morale boost for players according to Lynch.

The 49ers also dealt with multiple injuries across the defensive line during the same practice, including knee and adductor issues for several players, but defensive coordinator Raheem Morris said the team expects all affected players to return eventually.