Ricky Pearsall is making progress in his rehabilitation and is expected to return to practice soon. The rookie wide receiver will have a 21-day window to return starting next week, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
Pearsall sustained a gunshot wound to the chest during an attempted robbery in August, placing him on the non-football injury list at the beginning of the season. Players on this list must miss at least the first four weeks of the season, but Pearsall has shown steady improvement throughout September. Although a return to practice was considered last week, the San Francisco 49ers opted for a cautious approach.
Once he is officially cleared to return, Pearsall will have three weeks before the team must activate him to avoid missing the entire season. Given how close he was to returning last week, he should be ready for his regular-season debut shortly. Pearsall would add depth to the team’s skill positions.
Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel are still key players after an offseason filled with trade rumors. Aiyuk drew significant trade interest, especially from the Steelers, but ultimately signed a four-year, $120 million extension. Samuel is under contract through 2025, but his deal lacks guaranteed salary for that year, making him a potential trade candidate this spring as the 49ers prepare for a Brock Purdy extension.
If Pearsall meets expectations, it could ease the impact of parting ways with Samuel. In his final college season, Pearsall recorded career highs with 65 catches and 965 yards, potentially serving as a depth option behind Aiyuk, Samuel, and Jauan Jennings upon activation. With Aiyuk, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Trent Williams all signed beyond this year, and Purdy due for a significant extension, having a contributor on a rookie deal will be financially advantageous.
The 49ers have seven activations remaining for the season, one of which will be needed for Pearsall’s return. The team will also need to reserve activations for players like McCaffrey, Jon Feliciano, Ambry Thomas, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Talanoa Hufanga as the season progresses. Regardless of other injury situations, Pearsall is expected to be back on the field soon.
