49ers Place Ricky Pearsall on Season-Ending IR for PCL Surgery

What happened

The 49ers placed WR Ricky Pearsall on season-ending injured reserve after the posterior cruciate ligament injury that first occurred in Week 4 of the 2025 season flared up with swelling during the early days of training camp. General manager John Lynch confirmed Pearsall will have surgery in the next couple of weeks, with a recovery timeline of six to 12 months (nine months viewed as the potential sweet spot). The team had hoped rest and rehab would allow him to avoid the procedure after missing significant time last year.

Fantasy impact

Pearsall is off the fantasy board for 2026. His absence solidifies Mike Evans as the clear top target in San Francisco while elevating the roles of Deebo Samuel (recently re-signed) and other remaining pass-catchers. Managers who rostered Pearsall in early drafts should pivot immediately to other WR options.