49ers WR Ricky Pearsall to undergo season-ending knee surgery

49ers WR Ricky Pearsall to undergo season-ending knee surgery

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall will undergo surgery on his right knee and be placed on season-ending injured reserve, general manager John Lynch announced Saturday, August 1, 2026.

The decision follows a persistent PCL injury that has bothered Pearsall since the 2025 season. Despite efforts to manage the condition, the injury had not improved heading into training camp this summer. Pearsall and the organization determined that surgery was the best option, even though it results in the 25-year-old missing the entire upcoming campaign.

Lynch stated that the procedure will take place in the next couple of weeks. While the general recovery timetable for PCL surgery ranges from six to 12 months, Lynch noted that the sweet spot might be nine months. The wide receiver is expected to make a full recovery in time for the 2027 season.

Pearsall, who turns 26 in September, has faced significant adversity since being selected as a first-round pick in 2024. He has appeared in only 20 games across two seasons. His rookie year was interrupted by six missed games after he was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery near Union Square in August 2024. He finished that first season with 31 catches, 400 yards, and three touchdowns.

The 2025 season began with promise, as Pearsall overcame a summer hamstring injury to record 327 yards on 20 catches in his first four games. According to other reports, he had 16 catches and 281 yards in his first three games before the PCL injury occurred. The injury caused him to miss eight games during that season. Although he returned to play five more games, he eventually missed the wild-card playoff game in Philadelphia due to combined knee and ankle injuries. Conflicting reports exist regarding his 2025 totals; one source cites 327 yards on 20 catches in his first four games, while another reports 36 receptions and 528 receiving yards without a touchdown for the full season.

The loss comes at a volatile time for the San Francisco receiving corps. Brandon Aiyuk remains away from the team while seeking a trade to the Washington Commanders, and Jauan Jennings has joined the Minnesota Vikings. To mitigate these losses, the 49ers have added veteran Mike Evans and reunited with former star receiver Deebo Samuel, who spent six years with San Francisco before a stint with the Commanders. Lynch confirmed that Samuel would participate in Saturday's practice.

The injury also creates an opportunity for rookie De’Zhaun Stribling. Quarterback Brock Purdy expressed confidence in the rookie's progress, particularly regarding his first step and his ability to absorb the playbook.

"He’s done a good job with the footwork and getting off the line. But the other half of football is up top — using your hands as a receiver and trying to create separation, obviously legally. But that’s a part of (being a receiver) — using your strength against a DB. He’s proving to all of us that he’s reliable and we can trust him."

Brock Purdy, Quarterback, via Source 1

Coach Kyle Shanahan had previously expressed excitement about using the shifty Pearsall as a one-on-one threat alongside Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Mike Evans. Now, the team must navigate a wider injury crisis. In addition to Pearsall, veteran Christian Kirk has missed practices with a calf injury. The trainer's room also includes:

• Jordan James: Out with a rib fracture.
• Malik Mustapha: Sidelined with a hamstring strain.
• Vederian Lowe: Dealing with an ankle injury.
• Gracen Halton: Sidelined with a bruised knee bone.

The 49ers are attempting to rebuild momentum after a 41-6 Divisional Round loss to the Seattle Seahawks last postseason. With Pearsall now out, the team will rely on its depth to compete in the NFC West.