San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has just five catches for 20 yards on nine targets in three games since returning from a PCL injury. Many expected the second-year wideout to be a breakout star in 2025—especially after he opened the season with two 100-yard performances in his first three games. But since returning, Pearsall has struggled to regain momentum.
Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak attributes the lack of production to circumstances rather than performance.
"It's circumstantial," Kubiak said on Thursday. "I think every game's different. I think you go back, the Arizona game, I think, was his first game back, and we targeted him a lot, and there was coverages that dictated where the ball went.
"I think Carolina, we did target him a handful of times, and [QB] Brock [Purdy] missed a few throws on a couple, and we got into a situation where we were trying to run the ball in the fourth quarter.
"Then the Cleveland game, there weren't many ops, and he did take advantage of some of his ops in that game, where he beat man-coverage a few times, and he made some big plays. So it's situational."
Pearsall has yet to score a touchdown this season and says the lack of production comes down to the natural ebb and flow of the game.
"I think it's just the game itself," Pearsall said. "Being a receiver, sometimes the ball doesn't come your way. There's different coverages that have got to be right. [The quarterback has] got to be able to see you. You've got to beat your defender. There's a bunch of variables that go into being open, and getting the ball thrown to you, and making a play.
"I just say it's just the game, and always be ready for the opportunity when it comes. You don't want to miss it. So, I've just got to stay ready, and that's what I can do."
Despite the quiet stat lines, the 49ers remain confident in the 25-year-old's potential. Pearsall flashed consistently during training camp and built strong chemistry with Purdy. But with both players dealing with injuries this season, rebuilding that connection will take time.
"Ricky's not doing a thing wrong," Kubiak said. "He's practicing his butt off, he's competing, he looks good. And that's football sometimes. That's the life of a receiver. Sometimes the ball comes your way, sometimes it doesn't. And just keep your head down, keep playing, and good things tend to happen. So that's the plan."
For Pearsall, this season has become a lesson in patience and focus. He knows his opportunities will come, and he plans to be ready when they do.
"Just handling what I can, control what I can control. That's always my mindset," Pearsall said. "As soon as I start worrying about the other things, that's when you kind of drive yourself nuts. I try not to do that. So, just knowing what I can control.
"And for me, it's being available when I can for Brock, showing up on those third downs when I can, and making those plays and opportunities when they do come our way, to help this team win ball games, because, ultimately, at the end of the day, when we see a W on the board, that's all that matters. I don't care about the stats or whatever."