San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall entered Sunday’s third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium leading the team in receptions in the game. Unfortunately, Pearsall left Sunday’s game with an injury.
What Happened to Ricky Pearsall?
According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Pearsall was “getting his knee examined in the medical tent.” Later on, 49ers reporter Matt Barrows of The Athletic wrote on X that “Pearsall has his helmet in his hands but isn’t going onto the field for the start of this drive.”
Pearsall left the game with four catches for 46 yards while being targeted by 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy five times in the game. Later though, according to a post on X, “Ricky Pearsall pulls himself out of the game and takes his helmet off. There’s something not right with his knee.”
Ricky!!!!! What a grab by Pearsall.pic.twitter.com/LqHuAZ3Eir
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) September 28, 2025
Pearsall was able to return to the game, but was not able to continue. After the game, the 49ers wideout confirmed that he felt pain and a little bit of instability after coming down hard on his knee.
Ricky Pearsall said he felt pain and a little bit of instability after coming down hard on his knee – decided to shut it down after returning for one snap pic.twitter.com/7wREAZrD5P
— Jake Hutchinson (@hutchdiesel) September 28, 2025
Pearsall, who played his college ball at Arizona State and Florida, was drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the 49ers. In three seasons with the Sun Devils and two seasons with the Gators, Pearsall totaled 159 catches for 2,420 yards and 14 touchdown receptions. He also had five rushing touchdowns while playing in college.
Through three games this season before Sunday’s game, Pearsall had 16 receptions for 281 yards and no touchdowns.
The 49ers wanted Pearsall to add more quality to their offense, and head coach Kyle Shanahan has had Pearsall involved in the offense. Entering Sunday’s game, though, Pearsall was not 100 percent health-wise.
The 49ers lost 26-21 against the Jaguars, and are now 1-3 on the season.
Pearsall Had 31 Catches in His Rookie Season
In his rookie season, Pearsall had 31 receptions out of 46 targets for 400 yards and three touchdowns.
Pearsall entered this game nursing a knee injury so it’s not the most surprising that he didn’t make it through the game. He’d been playing well, serving as Brock Purdy’s clear top option.
Without Purdy, Jauan Jennings, who was expected to be limited as he works his way back from shoulder and ankle injuries, may be forced into a larger role than expected. Recently acquired Kendrick Bourne would serve as the WR2. The real answer here is going to be a lot more Christian McCaffrey.
The 49ers are still at least one week away from getting George Kittle back. They can ill afford to lose Pearsall right now. Hopefully, he will be able to get back on the field soon.
