"He's gutted. We're gutted," Lynch told reporters ahead of Saturday's training camp practice, via NBC Sports Bay Area. "(He's a) really good football player, really important member of our team, and an impactful player."
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Pearsall will undergo surgery to repair the damaged ligament, ending any chance of him returning during the 2026 season. His recovery is expected to take between six and 12 months, giving him a chance to be ready for the start of 2027 training camp.
"Most (PCL injuries) resolve themselves without surgery," Lynch said. "Unfortunately, Ricky's did not. He did well throughout the offseason. He got to the point that he ramped it up to last gear right before camp. And he came to camp and the rigors of camp, competition and whatnot, he swelled up right away."
The 49ers selected Pearsall with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Injuries have significantly slowed the young receiver's development, as he has already missed 14 games over his first two NFL seasons.
49ers officially announce Deebo Samuel reunion
To take Pearsall's roster spot, the 49ers officially announced the signing of wide receiver Deebo Samuel to a one-year contract, making official a move that was first reported on Thursday. He returns to the 49ers after requesting a trade last year, which resulted in a one-season stint with the Washington Commanders.
The 49ers Communications staff provided the following rundown.
Samuel Sr. (6-0, 215) was originally drafted by the 49ers in the second round (36th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. Throughout his seven-year NFL career with the 49ers (2019-24) and Washington Commanders (2025), he has appeared in 97 games (85 starts) and registered 406 receptions for 5,519 yards and 27 touchdowns through the air to go along with 219 carries for 1,218 yards and 21 touchdowns, earning Associated Press First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2021. He has also started in 12 postseason contests and totaled 46 receptions for 638 yards and two touchdowns while adding 52 carries for 288 yards and one touchdown. In 2025, Samuel Sr. appeared in 16 games (12 starts) and registered 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns through the air to go along with 17 carries for 75 yards and one touchdown on the ground with the Commanders.
A 30-year-old native of Inman, SC, Samuel Sr. attended the University of South Carolina, where he appeared in 30 games (27 starts) and registered 148 receptions for 2,076 yards and 16 touchdowns and added 25 carries for 154 yards and seven touchdowns. He earned First-Team All-SEC honors in 2018.
Pearsall (6-1, 189) started in nine games with the team and registered 36 receptions for 528 yards in the 2025 season.
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