We now know why the San Francisco 49ers have brought in Deebo Samuel Sr. to their wide receiver group. It is because their wide receiver Ricky Pearsall of Phoenix, Arizona is gone for the 2026 National Football League season. Peaesall needs surgery on his posterior cruciate ligament according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN on Saturday.
This is the latest setback for Pearsall, who originally had high expectations with the 49ers, when he was selected in the first round, 31st overall, in the 2024 National Football League draft out of the University of Florida. Before playing a NFL game, Pearsall was shot in the chest when a teenager allegedly attempted to steal Pearsall’s Rolex. At the time, Pearsall was on his way to an autograph signing event. Pearsall missed the first six seasons of the 2024 NFL season as a result.
Then last season, Pearsall dealt with a hamstring injury during training camp. He was able to start the season, but then missed six weeks with the PCL injury, the same problem that is forcing him to miss the 2026 NFL season.
Last season, Pearsall had 36 catches for 528 receiving yards. Twice he eclipsed 100 yards in a game. He had four catches for 108 receiving yards in a 17-13 49ers win over the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks on September 7, and then had eight catches for 117 receiving yards in a 16-15 49ers win over the Arizona Cardinals on September 21. For Pearsall’s career, he now has 67 catches for 928 receiving yards and three touchdown catches in 20 games.
