Santa Clara — The 49ers opened training camp with uncertainty surrounding head coach Kyle Shanahan following a serious car accident. Less than a week later, the team was dealt another blow when wide receiver Ricky Pearsall suffered a knee injury that will require season-ending surgery.
Injuries are an unfortunate part of football, but losing a key player creates an immediate void and an opportunity for someone else to step in. For the San Francisco, that opportunity has opened the door for the return of a familiar face, Deebo Samuel Sr.
Pearsall’s injury is a re-aggravation of the PCL injury he sustained last season, according to Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line Chris Foerster.
“It was a re-aggravation of the PCL, so he just re-aggravated it,” he explained. “We’re continuing to evaluate it.”
Pearsall missed six games last season because of the injury and continued to deal with it throughout the year. Entering his third season, the 6-foot-1, 189-pound wide receiver was looking to establish himself as a key part of the 49ers’ offense. Instead, he will undergo season-ending surgery and turn his attention toward making a fresh start next year.
Pearsall started nine games in 2025 and finished the season with 36 receptions for 528 yards. With Pearsall headed to injured reserve, the 49ers have turned to a player who knows the offense and has already proven he can make an impact.
Samuel signed a one-year deal with San Francisco, returning to the team where he became one of the NFL’s most versatile offensive weapons. The 49ers placed Pearsall on the Injured Reserve List to make room for Samuel on the roster. Foerster knows exactly what Samuel can bring to the offense.
“I’ve been here, I think, since we drafted Deebo,” Foerster said. “When the ball’s in Deebo’s hands, there’s a lot of special things that he can do. So, you find as many different ways to get the ball in his hands so he can impact the game in a special way.
One thing about Deebo is he can do a lot of different things. He can carry the ball in the backfield, motions, play receiver. Everything Deebo brings to the table, we’re going to take full advantage of all of his skill sets, so wherever that fits best. The good thing is with him, he kind of fits a lot of places.”
Samuel’s return gives the 49ers another versatile weapon as they adjust to the loss of Pearsall. His ability to line up at wide receiver, take carries out of the backfield and move around the formation gives San Francisco flexibility as it works to reshape its offensive game plan.
For a team that entered training camp with high expectations, Pearsall’s injury is a significant setback. But with Samuel back in the fold, the 49ers have an experienced playmaker ready to help fill the void and provide another spark to an offense looking to make a deep postseason run.
Photo by 49ers/Twitter
