The San Francisco 49ers’ receiving corps faces another week of uncertainty. Ricky Pearsall, who has missed two straight games with a knee injury, did not practice Wednesday as San Francisco prepares for the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night.
What Is Ricky Pearsall’s Injury? Latest on 49ers Star’s Status
Pearsall injured his right knee in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and has been sidelined ever since. Following initial evaluation, the team’s working diagnosis was a minor PCL sprain, a two-to-three-week injury under typical timelines. His absence has now extended into a third week, and he did not participate in Wednesday’s practice.
General manager John Lynch told KNBR on Thursday the injury has not worsened, adding that wide receiver is a difficult position to return to at anything less than full speed.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged Pearsall’s recovery has moved more slowly than hoped. “It’s not going faster than expected,” he said, but noted Pearsall is “better this week than last,” with the club continuing to evaluate day-to-day.
Wednesday’s injury report listed Pearsall (knee) as a DNP, alongside WR Skyy Moore (ankle) and G Dominick Puni (knee), while Jauan Jennings (ankle/rib/shoulder) was limited and TE George Kittle returned as a limited participant with an expectation to be activated for Week 7.
Both quarterbacks, Brock Purdy (toe) and Mac Jones (knee/oblique), practiced on a limited basis as San Francisco manages multiple offensive injuries into the weekend.
Against PFSN’s QB Impact, Pearsall ranks sixth in the standings with a B+ grade.
Is Pearsall Playing in Week 7 vs. the Falcons?
Lynch said Pearsall is “fighting through” the injury and hasn’t given up hope, but acknowledged it is “not likely” he’ll play this week unless he makes significant progress before the final practice sessions.
On Friday, the 49ers announced that Pearsall and Purdy will not play in the Week 7 game against the Falcons.
With Pearsall still sidelined, San Francisco will lean on Jennings and Kendrick Bourne at wide receiver. Kittle’s expected activation will provide a key boost to the passing game and run efficiency. Special teams reps this week also included Jordan Watkins as a potential punt returner, with Moore’s ankle limiting his availability.
The 49ers have been cautious with soft-tissue and ligament rehabs all season, prioritizing full-speed cuts and post‑session response over calendar targets, and Pearsall’s knee will need to meet those benchmarks before he returns.
