Head coach Kyle Shanahan joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Thursday and discussed the process of determining when a player is ready to return after an extended absence. Shanahan admitted that missing multiple weeks adds a layer of difficulty to that decision.
"When a guy's missed a month or three games in a row [and can't practice], then it's never a consideration whether he can go on Sunday," Shanahan explained, speaking generally about all players. "I mean, if a guy's missed that long, he's got to get back into practice and give himself and everyone else the confidence that he's okay and can be good by Sunday."
Shanahan went on to differentiate between players dealing with short-term injuries and those who have missed a significant amount of time.
"Now, if a guy's been playing, and he just got hurt in Sunday's [game], and he wasn't healthy enough to go on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, then there's a decision to be made," Shanahan said. "What's this guy's history? Has he done this before? When he says he's going to be good to go on Sunday, is he going to be good to go? Is he going to be able to last in the game? Do the doctors say he won't re-injure it? And is he a guy that can go on a Sunday without three days of practice?
"But anytime it's been a guy who's been missing a week or multiple weeks, if they don't get the practice in, then it's not an option to play him."
That approach suggests Pearsall will likely remain sidelined this Sunday as the 49ers aim to rebound from their loss to the Houston Texans and improve their record to 6-3.
Pearsall has recorded 20 receptions for 327 yards through four game appearances in 2025.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers urged to reunite with Deebo Samuel after Ricky Pearsall injury concern
The San Francisco 49ers are counting on third-year wide receiver Ricky Pearsall to start opposite veteran Mike Evans this season. However, those plans could be in jeopardy as Pearsall continues dealing with the lingering effects of last year's PCL injury. One former NFL wide... -
49ers concerned about Ricky Pearsall injury, but young receivers could benefit
The San Francisco 49ers are facing another setback at wide receiver, as Ricky Pearsall continues to deal with lingering effects from the PCL injury that limited him last season. Pearsall is experiencing swelling in his knee and is expected to miss time. Multiple reports... -
49ers insider: It's reasonable to expect Ricky Pearsall to miss the 2026 season
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has already missed 14 games through his first two NFL seasons, and now his entire 2026 campaign could be in jeopardy. Pearsall battled a PCL injury during the 2025 season, but the expectation—or hope—was that the issue would... -
49ers injury news: Ricky Pearsall, Jordan James, Malik Mustapha dealing with setbacks
The San Francisco 49ers are dealing with several injury concerns early in training camp, including setbacks for wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, running back Jordan James, and safety Malik Mustapha. The 49ers announced that Pearsall is experiencing swelling related to the PCL...