The San Francisco 49ers have placed wide receiver Ricky Pearsall on season-ending injured reserve following a persistent knee issue. Pearsall will undergo surgery in the next few weeks to address a posterior cruciate ligament injury that has caused significant trouble since last September.
General manager John Lynch confirmed that the recovery timeline for the procedure is six to 12 months. The team medical staff and physicians determined that surgery is the necessary path forward after rest and rehabilitation failed to fix the instability in the joint. Pearsall struggled with pain and swelling throughout the previous season and recently during the start of training camp.
In a corresponding roster move, the 49ers signed veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel to a one-year contract. Samuel returns to the organization after spending time with the Washington Commanders. Lynch noted the team intended to reunite with Samuel regardless of Pearsall’s availability to add depth and production to the offense.
Pearsall, a first-round pick in the 2024 draft, recorded 36 catches for 528 yards over 10 appearances last season. He will now focus entirely on his medical recovery process while the 49ers shift their roster strategy to account for his absence.