In a blow to the San Francisco 49ers, receiver Ricky Pearsall has been placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a lingering PCL injury. General manager John Lynch announced that Pearsall will undergo surgery in the coming weeks, with a recovery timeline estimated at six to twelve months.

Pearsall's injury dates back to the 2025 season, when he sustained it during a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4. Unfortunately, this injury caused him to miss all or parts of ten games. Despite not opting for surgery in the offseason, Pearsall experienced knee swelling as training camp began, leading to the current decision.

Lynch explained, "We reevaluated after [the season], and the consensus was that that [surgery] wasn't the step to take... At that point between all the docs that we consulted ... the decision was made."

Drafted 31st overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Pearsall's career has faced significant challenges, including a gunshot wound prior to his rookie season. Last year, he played in nine games, catching 36 of 53 targets for 528 yards, and had limited impact in the playoffs.

The 49ers have struggled with injuries historically, with key players like George Kittle, Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and Brock Purdy all facing setbacks last season. In an effort to address these issues, the team is investigating whether excessive exposure to electromagnetic force (EMF) is contributing to their injury woes.

In a related move, the 49ers recently re-signed former All-Pro wideout Deebo Samuel, who returns after a season with the Washington Commanders. Lynch expressed excitement about Samuel's return, highlighting his past contributions to the team's success.