San Francisco 49ers veterans report to training camp on Saturday, and for wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, the 2026 season represents a chance to prove he was worthy of the team's first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Pearsall has missed 14 games over his first two NFL seasons. Last year, a PCL injury limited him to just nine games, during which he recorded 36 receptions for 528 yards and no touchdowns.
With Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings out of the picture, Pearsall is expected to take on a much larger role in 2026, lining up opposite veteran newcomer Mike Evans. A video that surfaced this week shows the third-year receiver putting in the work ahead of training camp, determined to make the upcoming season his best yet.
#49ers Ricky Pearsall's work ethic can't be questioned as he continues to prepare for training camp.
Truly hope he stays healthy and has a breakout season this year🤞🏼 pic.twitter.com/nQNjv3JBUy
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) July 20, 2026
Through two NFL seasons, Pearsall has totaled 67 receptions for 928 receiving yards and three touchdowns. However, he'll face increased competition this season after the 49ers used their top draft pick on wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, who is widely viewed as a future starter.
San Francisco also signed veteran Christian Kirk to a one-year deal and has several young receivers pushing for larger roles, including former draft picks Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins.
A breakout 2026 campaign from Pearsall would be a major boost for quarterback Brock Purdy and the 49ers' offense. For Pearsall, it could mean silencing any remaining doubts and cementing himself as a long-term cornerstone of San Francisco's receiving corps.
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