While the overwhelming swarm of injuries the San Francisco 49ers have suffered this season have centered mostly on linebacker Fred Warner, defensive end Nick Bosa, quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle, the absence of second-year wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has also been significant.
Pearsall was poised for a breakout season after finishing his rookie campaign on a strong note, but a knee injury suffered in the Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars put a damper on that.
And the 2024 first-round NFL Draft choice hasn't seen the field since.
Each week, it appears as if Pearsall is getting closer and closer to returning. But, after missing the Niners' Sunday Night Football tilt against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7, it's fair to wonder just how cautious San Francisco will be with its budding wide receiver heading into a Week 8 road showdown against the 2-4 Houston Texans.
Ricky Pearsall's status for Week 8 vs. Texans confirmed
Head coach Kyle Shanahan gave his final injury report for Sunday's contest at NRG Stadium, and Pearsall was listed among those who would officially be out for Week 8.
Pearsall's absence in previous weeks opened up the door for veteran wideout Kendrick Bourne to have back-to-back 142-yard games in Weeks 5 and 6, while running back Christian McCaffrey served as a primary receiving threat for quarterback Mac Jones against Atlanta.
So, from that vantage point, the 49ers have at least identified viable pass-catching options in Pearsall's absence.
However, against a stout Texans defense, moving the ball through the air might be a bit trickier, therefore highlighting Pearsall's injury designation even more.
The Niners and Texans kick off on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. ET.