Ricky Pearsall endured significant adversity during his rookie NFL season with the San Francisco 49ers. The former first-round draft pick suffered a gunshot wound to the chest just before the start of the regular season, delaying his NFL debut until Week 7 on October 20, 2024.
Now with his rookie campaign behind him, the 49ers have high expectations for Pearsall in 2025. He finished last season with 31 receptions for 400 yards and three touchdowns across 11 games (including four starts). He flashed his potential in a Week 17 loss to the Detroit Lions, recording eight catches for 141 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets.
He followed that up by finding the end zone again in San Francisco's season finale against the Arizona Cardinals.
With Deebo Samuel traded and Brandon Aiyuk still recovering from a knee injury sustained in October, Pearsall and Jauan Jennings are expected to open the season as the 49ers' starting wideouts.
Last week, offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak addressed reporters and was asked how the team is helping Pearsall handle the increased pressure heading into Year 2.
"I don't think it's pressure," Kubiak said. "I think Ricky sees himself as a starter. He wants to be a starting receiver. And whether BA's out there or not, I think Ricky has that same expectation of himself, and that we wouldn't want it any other way. That's how he saw himself last year. And I think that's just how he is naturally."
Pearsall, too, is embracing the challenge. After the season, he spoke about his eagerness to return to work and grow as a player—this time with a full offseason and the experience of a tough rookie year behind him.
"I'm definitely excited to build on stuff that I left off on and continue to grow as a player," Pearsall said. "And now, I know what's expected. Not going to be a rookie anymore, so nothing's going to be really new. I'll be able to definitely grow as a player. I'm excited for it."
Kubiak also noted that Pearsall has been training extensively this offseason with fellow second-year receiver Jacob Cowing, a fourth-round pick from last year. The coach has already seen positive results.
"I think they trained a lot together this offseason, and they look awesome," Kubiak said. "It's just physically they're out there and they're getting better every day."
As the 49ers prepare for a new season with changes at wide receiver, Pearsall's development could play a key role in the team's success. San Francisco hopes the young player is ready to take the next step in his NFL journey.