Overview
- The 49ers announced on Saturday, August 1, 2026 that Ricky Pearsall will undergo surgery to repair a damaged posterior cruciate ligament and has been placed on season‑ending injured reserve.
- Team and independent doctors first tried non‑surgical rehab but shut Pearsall down after knee swelling reappeared early in training camp, prompting the decision for surgery that carries an expected six‑ to 12‑month recovery.
- San Francisco used Pearsall’s roster spot to sign veteran Deebo Samuel to a one‑year deal reported to be worth up to $7 million as an immediate reinforcement at wide receiver.
- Pearsall’s early career has been repeatedly disrupted by injury and incidents, leaving him with 67 catches for 928 yards and three touchdowns through his first three seasons and making his availability a contractual and development concern.
- The 49ers will lean on veterans Mike Evans, Christian Kirk and Samuel plus rookie De’Zhaun Stribling for depth and may explore additional roster moves if younger options do not quickly fill Pearsall’s projected role.