Ricky Pearsall was supposed to be catching passes at the 49ers’ training camp this week. Instead, he’s watching from the sidelines, dealing with the latest setback in what’s already been an eventful young career. The second-year receiver’s hamstring injury has landed him on the PUP list, creating another obstacle as San Francisco reshapes its receiving corps.
What Does Ricky Pearsall’s PUP Placement Mean for the 49ers?
Pearsall’s rookie season was shaped by adversity, beginning with a harrowing off-field incident in late August 2024, when he was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery near Union Square in San Francisco.
Following this traumatic event, the 49ers placed him on the non-football injury list, sidelining him for the first six games of his rookie campaign. Despite these setbacks, he returned to action and finished the season strong, showing flashes of the talent that led to him being the 31st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
In 11 games, Pearsall recorded 31 receptions for 400 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 12.9 yards per catch. His breakout performance came in Week 17 against the Detroit Lions, where he put together a memorable showing with 141 receiving yards and a touchdown on eight receptions.
According to Niners Wire, Pearsall’s 141 yards in Week 17 were the “third-most ever in a game for a 49ers rookie, and the most since Jerry Rice had 241 yards in a Week 14 game back in 1985. The only other 49ers rookie with more receiving yards in a single game was Dave Parks, who had 146 in a game in 1964.”
Ricky Pearsall pic.twitter.com/UWdJzi16AF
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) July 10, 2025
Now, with Deebo Samuel traded to the Washington Commanders earlier this offseason, the 49ers are counting on Pearsall taking a significant step forward in year two. However, concerns about his availability surfaced when he was notably absent from early conditioning sessions this week.
How Serious Is Pearsall’s Current Injury Situation?
On July 18, those concerns were confirmed as the 49ers placed Pearsall on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, citing a lingering hamstring issue from earlier this summer. While not considered a long-term concern, the move reflects the organization’s cautious approach, aiming to avoid further aggravation of the injury during the opening stretch of training camp.
49ers placed WRs Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 18, 2025
The timing creates additional challenges for San Francisco’s receiving room. Pearsall is joined on the PUP list by fellow wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, while Jauan Jennings continues his contract holdout. With three key receivers sidelined, backups like Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins may see increased opportunities in Pearsall’s absence.
Meanwhile, if San Francisco’s wide receiver room remains depleted heading into the season, George Kittle is likely to be the primary beneficiary. The six-time Pro Bowl tight end has already proven capable of handling a significant workload, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in two consecutive seasons.
