The San Francisco 49ers received a positive sign this week as wide receiver Ricky Pearsall returned to practice on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a knee injury in Week 4. While the team could have placed the second-year wideout on injured reserve, they opted against it, believing his recovery might be quicker.

Unfortunately, it was not.


Still, Pearsall's rehab has been trending in the right direction, and there's growing optimism that he could suit up on Sunday when the Arizona Cardinals host the 49ers.

General manager John Lynch joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Thursday. He discussed Pearsall's recovery process and what his return could mean for San Francisco's offense.

"He's been stable," Lynch said of Pearsall's knee. "I think the PCL, those things can zing you. And he plays a position—you think about receivers and all, they have to do in and out of breaks. Probably the toughest position to come back from that type of injury.

"Ricky has done a really good job in his rehab. Ricky gives us something different. I think he gives us an explosivity at the receiver position, speed, ability to get down the field, and then, he's a precision route runner as well. He's just a good football player."

Before the injury, Pearsall was emerging as a true No. 1 option for the 49ers, recording 20 receptions for 327 yards through four games. The hope is that he can pick up where he left off and provide a much-needed boost to the passing attack.


After seeing quarterback Brock Purdy return too soon from his turf toe injury earlier in the season (he also has not played since Week 4), San Francisco has taken a more cautious approach with its recovering players.

"Ricky's done well," Lynch added. "He was out there at practice yesterday. Like Brock, had a really good day, and let's see if he can finish the week. It'd be great to have him back out there.

"And yes, he is from Arizona, and I think that'd be great for Ricky to play in front of all his folks down there."



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