Ricky Pearsall’s confidence soaring as he steps up again in 49ers’ win over Cardinals

The San Francisco 49ers were without Jauan Jennings on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, but second-year wide receiver Ricky Pearsall once again proved to be a reliable offensive weapon for whoever is under center. In Week 3, that quarterback was Mac Jones.

Against Arizona, Pearsall caught eight passes for a game-leading 117 yards, helping the 49ers secure a thrilling 16-15 victory in their first game of the season at Levi's Stadium.

After the game, Pearsall discussed his mindset, knowing his role would likely expand with Jennings out.

"I try to have that mindset where I always think I'm getting the ball," Pearsall said. "You've got to have that mindset because you never know when the ball will actually get thrown your way. And if you're not thinking that way, then that opportunity is going to pass you. So, I always had that mindset. Obviously, we didn't have J.J., so I knew the circumstances of it, and I was going to get more opportunities to make plays, and just to expand on those."

During training camp, much was made of the chemistry Pearsall was building with Brock Purdy, but he has also developed a strong rapport with Jones.

"He did a great job in the game," Jones said. "He was open a lot. I could have hit him even more, so I'll watch the tape and see how I can get him the ball more, but Ricky did a great job."

Jones noted that he got plenty of reps with Pearsall during organized team activities and training camp, which helped their connection on the field.

"He was kind of hurt and was working back in and stuff," Jones said. "So, I got a lot of reps with him."

Pearsall came up clutch on a 4th-and-2 play in the fourth quarter, with the game tied 6-6. He hauled in a 34-yard pass from Jones, setting up a touchdown to fullback Kyle Juszczyk.

"I was just trying to read it over my shoulder," Pearsall said of the play, "and when you play day games like that, sometimes the sun gets in your eyes, and I couldn't really see the ball until it got really close to me. And then, as it got close to me, I just turned my hands that way and ended up making the catch regardless."

Jones seemed to force the football to Pearsall on his lone interception of the game, a reflection of the trust he has built in the young receiver—and rightfully so. Pearsall's confidence appears to be soaring with each passing game.

"I'm building more and more confidence the more I'm playing, the more I'm practicing, and getting reps in the offense, and I like to hear that number a lot—13 targets is pretty good," Pearsall said. "But yeah, I think my confidence is always going to be there for me. I'm very confident in my route-running ability, to create separation and make the play when the ball is thrown my way."

Jones admitted he has been a fan of Pearsall for years.

"I loved watching him in college," Jones said. "I'm like a secret fan of him, always, because I just enjoy his tape and like watching him on highlights. He's a really fast guy. He's really twitchy and then has straight-line speed.

"And then, his cuts—in and out of his cut speed is really, really good. Probably the best I've seen. And he just does a good job on those in-breakers and then out-breakers too."

Jones added, "He's a guy who just makes plays."

Through three games, Pearsall has 16 catches for 281 yards, though he has yet to score a touchdown. Given his progression and growing comfort in the offense, a trip into the end zone seems imminent.

Pearsall's journey has been remarkable, considering he missed the first six games of his rookie season after being shot in the chest. Now, he's thriving and enjoying football more than ever.

"I have fun every day, especially when [Kendrick Bourne's] out there with me," Pearsall said. "We're constantly dancing. But yeah, I'm having a great time. I'm super blessed, super happy to be in this situation I am, especially considering the situation, what I had to go through last year. Being able to wake up every day and just be thankful for the day that is to come. And being able to get in this locker room with these guys, and being around great coaches.

"There's a lot of things to be happy and excited about each and every day, and I wake up and I just remind myself that every single day, because there's a lot to be thankful for."