Ricky Pearsall to miss 2026 season after PCL surgery, 49ers sign Deebo Samuel as replacement
SANTA CLARA, Aug. 2. San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch announced Saturday that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a posterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee, ending the second-year receiver's campaign before it began. Pearsall, a 2024 first-round pick, was shut down after two training camp practices because of swelling in the knee.
Key takeaways
- San Francisco 49ers receiver Ricky Pearsall will miss the 2026 season after undergoing surgery to repair a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear in his right knee.
- Pearsall, a 2024 first-round pick, was shut down after just two training camp practices due to knee swelling and has played only 20 games over two seasons.
- The 49ers signed former All-Pro Deebo Samuel to a one-year deal worth up to $7 million to replace Pearsall.
- GM John Lynch announced the news on Saturday, Aug. 2, and the team indicated it is now unlikely to exercise Pearsall's fifth-year option for 2028.
- San Francisco also added receiver Mike Evans in free agency and drafted De'Zhaun Stribling in the second round.
SANTA CLARA, Aug. 2. San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch announced Saturday that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a posterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee, ending the second-year receiver's campaign before it began. Pearsall, a 2024 first-round pick, was shut down after two training camp practices because of swelling in the knee.
A second season undone by injury
Pearsall's absence is the latest in a string of setbacks that have held him to 20 games over two years. As a rookie in 2024, a shoulder injury cost him most of training camp. He was then shot in a robbery attempt before the regular season. He played in 11 games that year, catching 31 passes for 400 yards and three touchdowns.
In 2025, he opened with 20 catches for 327 yards through four games. A knee injury then kept him out for six. When he returned, production fell sharply: five catches for 20 yards over three games. A six-catch, 96-yard performance against the Tennessee Titans was followed by a reaggravation of the same knee. He missed two of the final three regular-season games, sat out the playoff opener, and was a nonfactor in a divisional-round loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Career totals stand at 67 catches for 928 yards and three touchdowns.
Fifth-year option in doubt as San Francisco reshapes its receiver room
The persistent unavailability makes it unlikely the 49ers will exercise Pearsall's fifth-year option for 2028 next spring, according to the team. San Francisco has already moved to cover the vacancy, signing former All-Pro Deebo Samuel to a one-year deal worth up to $7 million.
Samuel spent his first six seasons with San Francisco before the team traded him to Washington in 2025 for a fifth-round pick. He caught 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns for the Commanders last season, then became a free agent in March. Career numbers show 406 catches for 5,519 yards and 27 touchdowns. Among receivers with at least 100 catches since 2019, Samuel ranks first with an average of 8.7 yards after the catch. He has also rushed for 1,218 yards and 21 touchdowns in 97 games.
The 49ers added wide receiver Mike Evans in free agency and selected De'Zhaun Stribling in the second round of the draft.