49ers lose Ricky Pearsall for season after decision to undergo knee surgery

The San Francisco 49ers will be without wide receiver Ricky Pearsall for the entire 2026 season after placing the former first-round pick on season-ending injured reserve Saturday because of the lingering posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury in his right knee.

According to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, Pearsall is expected to undergo surgery within the next couple of weeks. General manager John Lynch said the recovery timeline is expected to be between six and 12 months, with approximately nine months viewed as the most likely timeframe for a return.

The move officially ends what was expected to be a pivotal third NFL season for Pearsall.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: Ricky Pearsall #1 of the San Francisco 49ers works out during training camp practice at SAP Performance Facility on July 27, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

More on Ricky Pearsall

Ricky Pearsall’s knee troubles date back to Week 4 of the 2025 season, when he suffered the PCL injury in a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. At the time, he was emerging as one of San Francisco’s top offensive weapons, recording 16 catches for 281 yards through the first four games of the season.

The injury ultimately cost Pearsall all or parts of 10 games, and although he returned later in the year, he never fully regained the explosiveness that made him such a dangerous playmaker early in the season. He finished 2025 with 36 receptions for 528 yards and no touchdowns.

Following the season, Pearsall and the organization were faced with a difficult decision regarding surgery. Instead of opting for a procedure immediately, both sides hoped rest and rehabilitation would allow the 25-year-old receiver to avoid surgery and return at full strength for training camp.

That plan ultimately fell apart.

After participating in just three training camp practices, Pearsall experienced renewed swelling in his knee. The 49ers acknowledged earlier this week that they had “some concern” about the situation and were exploring “all options” before ultimately determining surgery was the best path forward.

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 25: Ricky Pearsall #1 of the Florida Gators arrives before the start of a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

The loss is a significant blow for San Francisco’s offense.

Ricky Pearsall was expected to play a major role in the passing game after showing flashes of his first-round talent over his first two NFL seasons.

His rookie campaign in 2024 included 400 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while his second season produced 528 yards despite the knee injury limiting his availability.

To fill the roster spot, the 49ers signed veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel to a one-year contract. Samuel’s return provides San Francisco with an experienced playmaker, but replacing Pearsall’s upside won’t be easy.

For Ricky Pearsall, the focus now shifts entirely to recovery. With surgery scheduled in the coming weeks, the 49ers will hope their young receiver can make a full recovery and return healthy in time for the 2027 season.

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Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

• Late July 2026 – NFL Training Camps open
• Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT

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