Ricky Pearsall
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This 49ers insider explained why Ricky Pearsall was surprisingly added to the PUP list
The San Francisco 49ers WR room has been one of the most injured plagued position groups of the 2025 NFL preseason with Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings both dealing with injuries entering the upcoming season.
This has opened the door for second-year Ricky Pearsall being touted as a potential breakout fantasy football star for 2025.
Sports Illustrated Names Ricky Pearsall as a Breakout Player for Fantasy Football in 2025
Shaun Childs of Sports Illustrated believes San Francisco 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall has the potential to see an expanded role in the passing game by default entering the 2025 NFL season because of the injuries to Niners’ WR room.
Childs wrote, “With Brandon Aiyuk (recovering from an ACL knee injury, expected to miss six games) and Jauan Jennings (calf) battling injuries, Pearsall lines up for a bump in targets by default. He missed some time this summer with a hamstring issue, showing injury risk in his profile. Pearsall is the 36th wide receiver drafted in mid-August, with some sharp high-stakes drafters expecting a big year. His talent screams upside, but he still has to stay upright for 17 games before earning the fantasy trust card.”
Pearsall was horrifically suffered a gun shot wound during an attempted robbery that understandably stunted his offseason preparation entering his rookie year. Despite the huge setback, the Florida product still finished with 31 receptions for 400 yards and three touchdowns.
Pearsall’s action was limited to just 11 games worth of action his rookie year, but he still showcased encouraging signs on the field during his first season in the NFL.
Childs added, “The 49ers saw enough in his game to draft Pearsall 31st overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. At the combine, he ran a 4.41 40-yard dash while showcasing his strength (17 reps of 225 lbs.). His route running looks exceptional coming to San Francisco while offering winning hands. He must improve his release vs. physical defenders while potentially being a beast against zone coverage.”
Could Pearsall Have the Chance to Solidify the WR1 Role in San Francisco for the Entire 2025 NFL Season with Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings Banged Up to Start the Year?
Aiyuk wasn’t exactly himself when he was on the field in 2024 prior to his injury, where he produced just 25 receptions for 374 yards with no touchdowns through seven appearances last season.
Additionally, Jennings’ breakout season came with Pearsall — a rookie who suffered a gun shot wound less than a full calendar year prior — not fully up to speed.
Sure, Jennings’ 77 receptions for 975 yards in 2024 and Aiyuk’s 75 receptions for 1,342 yards in 2023 are higher marks than we’ve seen from Pearsall throughout his young career, but a fully healthy Pearsall entering his second season in the league suggests better days are ahead for the Florida product.
It is very possible the 49ers will roll into the season with Pearsall, Jordan Watkins, and Skyy Moore as the best options at receiver to start the year. Pearsall could be leaned on heavily against the Seattle Seahawks. If he performs well, it is possible he takes the WR1 role early on and never looks back.
The table is set for Pearsall to get off to a fast start to his second season, which makes him a strong candidate to be a big fantasy football performer in 2025.