The San Francisco 49ers are entering 2024 with Super Bowl aspirations yet again, and with Brock Purdy playing on the final year of his rookie deal, they have been able to keep one of the most talented rosters in the NFL in tact so far.
That will most likely change in a major way after this season when they have to give Purdy a major payday — so in April’s NFL Draft — it wasn’t surprising to see GM John Lynch select a WR in the first round, knowing that it will be almost impossible to keep both Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel on the roster after the 2024 campaign,.
When the 49ers drafted Florida WR Ricky Pearsall at No. 31 overall, the rumblings grew about the future of wide receivers Deebo Samuel and, in particular, Brandon Aiyuk, who is in the middle of a contract dispute as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. At least early on, there is room for all three, plus Jauan Jennings, who caught a touchdown pass in Super Bowl LVIII.
Pearsall is already showing he can contribute in multiple ways, which seems to be the standard for San Francisco 49ers receivers. Thus far this offseason, the former Florida wide receiver has seen reps at multiple receiver positions and has also worked as a punt returner. Pearsall caught 65 passes for 965 yards and four touchdowns and also returned 11 punts for 126 yards (11.5 yards per punt return), so he has experience in that department.
“We’re getting him a lot of reps, getting a lot of different routes, trying all the positions and we’ve been really impressed with how he’s started off,” 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said, via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner.
Pearsall had a strong week down in Mobile, Alabama at the Senior Bowl, beginning his trajectory towards the first round. He may not make a huge impact early on, but expect to hear his name a few times as a rookie, particuarly on special teams. If Aiyuk or Samuel move on, however, then the door will really open for the former Gator.
”Pearsall has been exactly as advertised,” said NIck Wagoner of ESPN after 49ers minicamp. “The Niners have used him at multiple receiver positions in the offense and as a punt returner, which is probably his best ticket to touching the ball early in his rookie year. The team wants Pearsall to be able to step in anywhere in case of injury, and he so far has proved plenty versatile, according to coach Kyle Shanahan.”
San Francisco 49ers Place Rookie WR Ricky Pearsall On Injured List Ahead Of Training Camp
Pearsall’s debut at training camp will have to wait. When rookies reported to training camp on Tuesday, the 49ers placed the first-year wide receiver on the non-football injury list.
Players who get put on the non-football injury list usually pick up injuries away from the football team. Pearsall will be eligible to return to training camp at any time. However, until he’s removed from the list and activated he will count against the 90-player roster, but won’t be able to practice with the team.
It’s unclear exactly what kind of injury the rookie is dealing with, but this is obviously a concerning update for San Francisco 49ers fans ahead of training camp.
Pearsall is coming off a 65 receptions and 965 yards campaign during his senior season at Florida. Pearsall added six touchdowns for the Gators in his final year of college football. He’s expected to play a major role in Kyle Shanahan’s offense in 2024 and will likely be used in creative packages to showcase his versatility, similar to Deebo Samuel.
But first, the team needs him healthy.
