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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. The San Francisco 49ers have another key wide receiver out besides Brandon Aiyuk.
Niners wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has been "dealing with knee swelling related to the PCL injury he suffered last year" according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner . The 49ers insider reported that the "team says 'all options' are being explored and the is some concern" about his outlook.
That's a serious loss for the 49ers offense, as one of quarterback Brock Purdy's favorite targets could be sidelined for a while. Since Pearsall's injury happened in Week 4 of last season, he is within the general recovery timeline for the injury.
That said, Pearsall didn't have surgery for the PCL injury, and that's now a consideration, based on Wagoner's report. If Pearsall needs surgery, his season is possibly done since that is a 6-12 month recovery timeline.
Pearsall was an instant go-to receiver for Purdy in 2024 with 31 receptions for 400 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games played. In Pearsall's second season last year, he tallied 36 receptions for 528 yards in nine games.
Pearsall's absence leaves Mike Evans as the main go-to wideout for the 49ers, and he just joined the team as a free agent this year. Evans had a stellar 12-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that included 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Purdy can rely on Evans, but the 49ers will need answers elsewhere fast.
Niners wide receiver Christian Kirk injured his calf on Sunday, and he had 28 catches for 239 yards and a touchdown last year. The 49ers will need Demarcus Robinson, De'Zhaun Stribling and Jordan Watkins to all step up.
Only Robinson has substantial snaps with 272 receptions for 3,289 yards and 28 touchdowns in his nine-year career. He had 22 catches for 276 yards and a touchdown last year for the 49ers, and Purdy will need a lot more from him this year if Pearsall misses time.
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