The San Francisco 49ers entered training camp hoping Ricky Pearsall would finally enjoy a healthy stretch after an injury-hit 2025 campaign. The wide receiver appeared in only nine games last season because of a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury in his right knee.
His return gave fans hope that the setback was finally behind him. But those hopes took another hit almost immediately, just two practices into camp, when Pearsall had swelling in the same knee tied to last year’s PCL injury.
The 49ers also did not share any details on the injury, leaving room for panic. As concern grew among the fans, former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III urged San Francisco to consider bringing back Pro Bowl wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
Robert Griffin III Wants San Francisco-Deebo Samuel Reunion
Pearsall’s uncertain status has put a big question mark on the receiving depth chart.
Mike Evans now stands as the only fully healthy primary target, with free-agent addition Christian Kirk still dealing with a calf strain. As a result, second-round pick De’Zhaun Stribling could see first-team reps much earlier than expected.
In this situation, Griffin believes Samuel can be the dependable option in the wide receiver room.
“UPDATE: Ricky Pearsall was held out of practice today because of swelling on his knee related to the PCL injury from last year,” he wrote on X. “Wishing the best for Ricky Pearsall. The 49ers should sign Deebo Samuel.”
REDRAFT THE ENTIRE NFL: PFN’s FREE NFL Ultimate Redraft Simulator
Right now, Samuel is an unrestricted free agent. Since the offseason, many analysts speculated that he might return to the 49ers if both sides see value in another partnership. Pearsall’s injury may have just swung that door wide open.
Having said that, Samuel had an uneven season with the Washington Commanders after San Francisco traded him last year. He finished the season with 72 receptions for 727 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
He got a PFN Wide Receiver Impact score of 77.0, ranking No. 26 among NFL wide receivers.
Although Samuel may no longer produce at the level he once did, he still can be a valuable asset. His versatility allows him to be a low-risk, high-reward option for San Francisco.
Samuel, meanwhile, is confident that he still has productive football ahead of him despite the uncertainty surrounding his future. Speaking in a clip posted on his YouTube page last week, the veteran made it clear that he is not even remotely thinking about hanging up his cleats.
“Going on Year 8… I still feel like I got a lot, at least like three, four good years left, and it’s kind of been tough, not even going to lie to you,” Samuel said.
“All the free agency stuff going on, waking up in the morning, looking at your phone, seeing if your agent hit you and was like, ‘This team interested,’ or things along those lines. It’s been kind of like a roller coaster.”
At 30 years old, Samuel still ranks among the top veteran receivers available on the market. But if the Niners dilly-dally, teams like the Giants or Dolphins could also show interest.
For now, all eyes are on the 49ers. If Pearsall’s knee issue keeps him sidelined longer than expected, the 49ers could seriously consider bringing Samuel home.
