The San Francisco 49ers will be without wide receiver Ricky Pearsall for the entire 2026 NFL season.
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Per ESPN, the team placed the 25-year-old on season-ending injured reserve after determining he will undergo surgery to repair the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in his right knee.
General manager John Lynch said Pearsall is expected to have surgery within the next few weeks, with recovery projected to take between six and 12 months.
Ricky Pearsall, No. 1 of the San Francisco 49ers, stands on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on Jan. 17, 2026, in Seattle. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
Pearsall initially injured the knee during the 2025 season and missed significant time while attempting to rehab the injury rather than undergo surgery. The 49ers hoped rest and rehabilitation would allow him to avoid the procedure, but swelling returned after only a few days of training camp.
"You obviously are doing your due diligence," Lynch said. "The decision was made. ... The course of action that everyone felt was appropriate was having surgery."
The setback ends what was expected to be a pivotal third NFL season for the former Florida standout and 2024 first-round draft pick.
Pearsall appeared in 10 games last season, totaling 36 receptions for 528 yards while battling multiple injuries.
The 49ers also announced the signing of veteran receiver Deebo Samuel to a one-year contract. Samuel, who spent six seasons in San Francisco before a brief stint with the Washington Commanders, fills Pearsall's roster spot and gives the 49ers an experienced playmaker as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Lynch said the organization had been working toward a reunion with Samuel regardless of Pearsall's injury, but the timing now gives San Francisco an immediate replacement for one of its young receivers.
