San Francisco 49ers grapple with worsening Ricky Pearsall knee and expanding injury list
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall missed Wednesday's training camp practice after knee swelling linked to the posterior cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for most of the 2025 season. The 49ers said they are evaluating all options, including possible surgery, with no timeline for his return. Pearsall, a former first‑round pick, was expected to be a primary target in the 2026 offense, but his status now threatens the receiver room.
Other early‑camp injuries include running back Jordan James (fractured rib), safety Malik Mustapha (hamstring strain), wideout Christian Kirk (calf strain), offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (high‑ankle sprain), defensive lineman Gracen Halton (knee bruise) and rookie Andrew Farmer (back injury). The team has invested roughly $9 million in upgraded rehabilitation facilities and added specialized staff, yet the injury tally continues to rise.
To mitigate the loss of Pearsall and other receivers, the 49ers have leaned on rookie De’Zhaun Stribling, who has posted strong early numbers, and veteran tryouts such as Trenton Irwin, Alex Bachman and D’Wayne Eskridge. Coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch are also adding depth at tight end by signing six‑year veteran Josiah Deguara, a versatile blocker expected to support the run game.
The growing injury list forces San Francisco to reassess its depth‑chart and could shape roster moves as the regular season approaches.
Entities: Christian Kirk · De'Zhaun Stribling · Deebo Samuel · John Lynch · Josiah Deguara · Kyle Shanahan · Ricky Pearsall · San Francisco 49ers
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The injury creates depth‑chart complications for the 49ers' receiver group. (Article 2 discusses the impact on the receiving room.)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The 49ers may decline to pick up Pearsall's fifth‑year contract option. (Article 3 explicitly states this possibility.)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Ricky Pearsall is out of the 49ers' training camp because of knee swelling. (All three articles report Pearsall being held out due to knee swelling.)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Pearsall recorded 36 receptions for 528 yards with no touchdowns in the 2025 season. (Article 2 provides these stats.)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Pearsall could miss the majority of the 2026 season due to his knee injury. (Article 1 mentions long‑term concerns; article 3 says he may miss the season.)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The swelling is in the same knee Pearsall injured with a PCL injury in the 2025 season. (Articles 2 and 3 detail the link to the prior PCL injury.)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The 49ers are considering signing free‑agent Deebo Samuel or promoting rookie De'Zhaun Stribling to replace Pearsall. (Articles 1 and 3 discuss possible roster moves.)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Other 49ers players, including wide receiver Christian Kirk, are also injured during training camp. (Article 2 lists Kirk’s calf strain and other injuries.)