Story perspectives

49ers’ Ricky Pearsall Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

8/13/2026

Summary

Ricky Pearsall Surgery

Ricky Pearsall (25) underwent season-ending knee surgery, ending his 2026 season with the San Francisco 49ers.
John Lynch said Pearsall re-injured his posterior cruciate ligament during early August training camp.
Pearsall posted on Instagram that he faces a nine-month recovery, will focus on mental and physical health, and thanked supporters and doubters.
Teammates Christian McCaffrey, Kyle Juszczyk, Mac Jones and Fred Warner responded with supportive social-media messages.

Summary

Pearsall Option

The 49ers must decide next offseason whether to exercise Pearsall’s fifth-year option, keeping him through 2028 before free agency after 2027.
Pearsall, the No. 31 2024 draft pick, has 67 receptions for 928 yards after missing 20 games due to injuries and a gunshot wound on Aug. 31, 2024.
He was placed on IR on Aug. 1, ending his never-missed-game streak and prompting the 49ers to rely on veterans Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel.

History

Historical Context

In 2012 the Patriots signed Rob Gronkowski to a six-year, $54 million extension, then the largest for a tight end. After his knee injury in November 2015 the Patriots released him and promoted rookie Jonnu Smith, a move echoed by the 49ers as they weigh Ricky Pearsall’s PCL tear against the veteran depth of Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel.

1 of 3

Ricky Pearsall Surgery

Ricky Pearsall (25) underwent season-ending knee surgery, ending his 2026 season with the San Francisco 49ers.
John Lynch said Pearsall re-injured his posterior cruciate ligament during early August training camp.
Pearsall posted on Instagram that he faces a nine-month recovery, will focus on mental and physical health, and thanked supporters and doubters.
Teammates Christian McCaffrey, Kyle Juszczyk, Mac Jones and Fred Warner responded with supportive social-media messages.

1 / 3