Is Ricky Pearsall out for the season? Injury update for 49ers WR

The 2026 season will not be a breakout year for Ricky Pearsall.

The San Francisco 49ers‘ wide receiver is inactive for Week 1’s matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, as he will be for all 18 weeks of the regular season. Pearsall is dealing with a lingering PCL injury that required season-ending surgery at the beginning of August.

Pearsall, the 49ers‘ first-round pick in 2024, has been dealt a poor hand with injuries to begin his career. His season-ending knee surgery means that the 26-year-old will enter his fourth NFL season next year having played in just 20 games as a pro.

A gunshot wound he suffered during an attempted robbery before his 2024 rookie season limited him to 11 games. In 2025, Pearsall played in nine games while dealing with a PCL sprain. And before his 2026 season could begin, it was already over.

Here’s what to know about Pearsall’s status for 2026 and when he might return to action:

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Mike Evans, 2014-2025, 13,052 yards

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Kansas City Chiefs — Travis Kelce, 2013-present, 13,002 yards

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return?

The 49ers announced they were placing Pearsall on season-ending injured reserve on Aug. 1, meaning he won’t be eligible to play in 2026.

Last year, Pearsall sprained his PCL in Week 4, causing him to miss the next six games. According to 49ers general manager John Lynch, the third-year receiver never fully recovered from the ailment.

“Most (PCL injuries) resolve themselves without surgery,” Lynch said. “Unfortunately, Ricky’s did not.”

Pearsall attempted to play through the lingering injury to start training camp, but his knee began swelling as he ramped up. The young wideout had to miss practice with a swollen knee on July 29, and he was ruled out for the season three days later.

Heading into the 2026 season, the 49ers will roll out a starting wide receiver trio of veteran Mike Evans, who signed on in free agency; Deebo Samuel, who returned to the team after a year in Washington; and De’Zhaun Stribling, a second-round rookie.

Outside of the six receivers listed, San Francisco also has Pearsall (out for the season), free-agent signing Christian Kirk (IR – calf), and Brandon Aiyuk, who remains on the team’s reserve/left squad list.

Pearsall has played in 20 games across his two NFL seasons so far. Here’s his career by the numbers:

• Games (starts): 20 (13)

• Targets: 99

• Receptions: 67

• Receiving yards: 928

• Yards per reception: 13.9

• Touchdowns: 3

• Rushing: Five attempts for 43 yards (8.6 yards per attempt)

Rushing: Five attempts for 43 yards (8.6 yards per attempt)