San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has undergone surgery to repair the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and is facing an estimated nine-month recovery. Pearsall announced he underwent the procedure Thursday on social media, beginning the rehabilitation process after the injury ended his 2026 season before it began.
Pearsall initially injured the knee during a Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. The 49ers and Pearsall chose rehabilitation rather than surgery during the offseason, hoping rest and treatment would allow the ligament to heal. After he experienced renewed swelling following three training-camp practices, however, surgery became the preferred course of action. San Francisco placed Pearsall on season-ending injured reserve earlier this month.
Pearsall, 25, said he is approaching the recovery with determination, sharing in on social media: “Nothing to be disappointed about. No regrets. No what ifs. Just peace in the midst of yet another trial, knowing I did everything I could. I gave myself time to disconnect from the world, process everything, and shift my focus toward what’s ahead over these next 9 months.” Pearsall added: “The road back starts now. I’m ready for every part of it. Every early morning. Every setback. Every small win nobody sees. Every step that gets me closer to stepping back on that field.” He also said he had “no regrets” about the decision-making surrounding the injury and was focused on the work ahead.
The setback is another interruption in the career of the 2024 first-round pick. Pearsall missed the first six games of his rookie season after being shot during an attempted robbery in San Francisco, then emerged as a productive option in 2025. He finished that season with 36 receptions for 528 yards in nine games, while his career totals stand at 67 catches for 928 yards and three touchdowns over 20 games.
If his rehabilitation progresses on schedule, Pearsall and the 49ers expect him to be ready for the start of the 2027 season. His absence leaves San Francisco to lean more heavily on a revamped receiving corps that includes veterans Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel, while Pearsall faces an important fourth season and a decision on his fifth-year option next offseason.
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