Ricky Pearsall to miss full 2026 season as 49ers confirm knee surgery

The San Francisco 49ers have confirmed that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall will miss the entire 2026 NFL season after undergoing surgery on a persistent knee injury.

According to the team, general manager John Lynch announced on Saturday that Pearsall has been placed on injured reserve following an operation to address a lingering posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury.

The 49ers expect the 25-year-old to make a full recovery in time for the 2027 season.

The injury dates back to last year, when Pearsall missed eight games with the same knee problem.

He was sidelined again during training camp this week after swelling developed in his right knee.

Pearsall has shown promise when fit but has struggled with injuries since being selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

He missed much of his rookie training camp with a shoulder injury and was also shot during an attempted robbery before the start of his first season.

Despite those setbacks, he has recorded 67 receptions for 928 yards and three touchdowns in 20 games across two seasons.

According to the 49ers, the club has already moved to strengthen its receiving options by bringing back Deebo Samuel on a one-year deal worth up to $7 million, providing additional depth ahead of the new season.