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49ers WR Ricky Pearsall Out for Season with PCL Injury

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San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch confirmed on Saturday that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall will undergo season-ending surgery on his right knee. The 25-year-old will miss the entire 2026 NFL season after suffering a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear. Pearsall experienced pain and swelling in his knee during training camp this week. Subsequent medical examination revealed the PCL tear, requiring surgical repair. The 49ers officially placed Pearsall on season-ending injured reserve on Saturday. This is the latest setback for the 2024 first-round draft pick. Pearsall previously suffered a knee injury in Week 4 of the 2025 season, which limited him to just nine games. Over his first two NFL seasons, he appeared in 20 games, recording 67 receptions for 928 yards and three touchdowns. To fill the roster vacancy, the 49ers signed veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Samuel, 30, agreed to a one-year, $7 million deal. He previously played for San Francisco from 2019 to 2024, appearing in 81 games with 334 receptions, 4,792 yards, and 22 touchdowns. Last season with the Washington Commanders, Samuel had 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games. The 49ers have endured a difficult training camp, cycling through multiple injury concerns in the same week. Pearsall's season-ending surgery announcement caps a stretch of four separate injury issues for the team.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

· On September 28, 2025: Pearsall suffered initial right knee PCL injury.
· On October 2025: Pearsall missed six games following Week 4 injury.
· On November 16, 2025: Pearsall returned to play against Arizona Cardinals.
· On December 2025: Pearsall aggravated knee and ankle against Tennessee Titans.
· On December 28, 2025: Pearsall returned against Chicago Bears after missing games.
· On January 2026: Pearsall played in NFC divisional round without reception.
· On July 27, 2026: Pearsall participated in first two training camp practices.
· On July 29, 2026: Pearsall missed practice due to right knee swelling.
· On July 30, 2026: 49ers expressed concern and explored all medical options.
· On July 31, 2026: Deebo Samuel agreed to one-year, $7 million deal.
· On August 1, 2026: John Lynch announced Pearsall will undergo season-ending surgery.
· On August 1, 2026: 49ers placed Pearsall on season-ending injured reserve.
· On August 1, 2026: Deebo Samuel officially signed and practiced with team.
· On August 1, 2026: Pearsall expected recovery timeline is six to twelve months.
· On August 1, 2026: Lynch confirmed surgery will occur in next couple weeks.
· Pearsall expected to return for 2027 season after full recovery.
· 49ers must decide on Pearsall's fifth-year option next offseason.
· Deebo Samuel will serve as primary receiver alongside Mike Evans.
· Pearsall's career trajectory depends on successful PCL reconstruction surgery.
· Recovery by April 2027 would allow participation in offseason program.
· 49ers receiving corps depth will be tested during 2026 campaign.
· Pearsall's long-term NFL future hinges on injury-free 2027 season.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact (10 words): San Francisco's Super Bowl hopes dim without promising young receiver.
Possible long-term US impact (10 words): Pearsall's career hangs on recovery from third major setback.
Most affected groups (10 words): 49ers fans, front office, receiving corps, and NFC West rivals.
What readers should prioritise (10 words): Verify recovery timeline and 49ers' contingency plans for receiver position.