Ricky Pearsall entered the 2025 season expected to take on a larger role, but injuries have limited his availability. After briefly returning for a short stretch, the second-year wideout suffered another setback, putting his Week 16 status in doubt.
What Happened to Ricky Pearsall?
On the 49ers’ opening offensive series against the Titans in Week 15, Ricky Pearsall made a catch and turned upfield before being dragged down on what appeared to be a hip-drop tackle. Pearsall landed awkwardly, slamming his right knee into the turf while his ankle became trapped underneath the defender.
He stayed down briefly before limping off with trainers to the medical tent, but was cleared to return. Pearsall went on to post his best performance in weeks, hauling in six catches for 96 yards and helping San Francisco secure a 37–24 win.
Despite playing through the injuries, there is legitimate concern moving forward. The right knee Pearsall drove into the turf on his first catch was the same knee that suffered a PCL sprain earlier this season, an injury that sidelined him for six weeks and now appears to have been re-aggravated.
The Latest on Pearsall
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that “there is a concern” with Pearsall’s status but noted it “shouldn’t rule him out for this week,” adding that the injury is “not at all like it was when he first did it,” even as the combination of knee and ankle issues complicates the situation.
Shanahan compared it to a similar knee issue previously dealt with by Mac Jones, explaining that “it’s real painful for awhile but it can go away.”
Outside medical opinions remain cautious. Dr. Jeff Mueller said Pearsall is “likely going to miss more time with the PCL aggravation,” while Dr. Jesse Morse went further, stating that “Ricky Pearsall might be done for the rest of the regular season.”
San Francisco travels to Indianapolis in Week 16 for Monday Night Football, hosts Chicago in Week 17, and closes the regular season at home against Seattle. This three-game stretch could determine the 49ers’ playoff positioning.
In eight appearances this season, Pearsall has 31 catches for 443 yards but has yet to score a touchdown, ranking 26th on PFSN’s WR Impact metric.
While the team would love to have him back sooner rather than later, he may ultimately have to wait until the postseason to return.
