49ers 90-in-90: Setting realistic expectations for Ricky Pearsall

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 17: Ricky Pearsall #1 of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the sidelines during the national anthem prior to an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on January 17, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images After a rookie season that would have been impossible to predict, the San Francisco 49ers saw glimpses of why they selected Ricky Pearsall in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Through the first month of the season, Pearsall was neck and neck with Jaxon Smith-Njigba in several metrics that matter.

Pearsall had two games over 100 yards as a receiver in the first four games and had receptions of 31, 34, and 45 yards. While he failed to reach the end zone, he wasn’t just a chain mover. Pearsall was an explosive play threat.

Unfortunately, Pearsall missed the month of October due to an injury. He wouldn’t have another impactful play until December. San Francisco missed Pearsall for the regular-season finale and the Wild Card round.

Pearsall couldn’t shake free from the Seahawks coverage in the playoffs. Heading into Year 3, there’s no question that Pearsall is an NFL player. It’s fair to ask whether his body can hold up during the course of the NFL season, which is part of the reason why the team invested in three wide receivers this offseason.