How long is Ricky Pearsall out? Latest knee injury update, return timeline for 49ers WR

The start of Ricky Pearsall's NFL career has been overshadowed by injuries, and that has continued into the beginning of training camp in 2026.

Pearsall is once again dealing with an injury to the same knee that limited his action in 2025, leading to cause for concern from the 49ers. Pearsall is expected to be a big piece of the 49ers' offense, so any setback would lead to a change of plans for San Francisco.

As training camp just began, the 49ers will be careful with Pearsall and make sure he's healthy before having him return to action. However, it could be a while until that is the case.

Here's the latest on Pearsall's injury.

MORE: Latest injury updates on Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa

How long is Ricky Pearsall out?

As the 49ers evaluate Pearsall's latest knee injury, it's unclear when he will be back on the field. The 49ers are reportedly evaluating "all options," according to Nick Wagoner, which could mean shutting Pearsall down for an extended period of time.

MORE: Best free agents still available, from Stefon Diggs to Bobby Wagner

Ricky Pearsall injury update

Pearsall missed 10 games in 2025 due to a knee injury, and that issue has carried over into training camp in 2026. Pearsall missed practice on Wednesday as he deals with swelling in his right knee due to an issue with his PCL.

As a result, the team continues to evaluate Pearsall but expressed concern that he is still dealing with the injury.

#49ers WR Ricky Pearsall is dealing with knee swelling related to the PCL injury he suffered last year. Team says “all options” are being explored and there is some “concern.

MORE: Which NFL teams earned the best offseason grades?

Will Ricky Pearsall play in 2026?

Pearsall's status for teh 2026 season is completely up in the air, and it's possible that he will be forced to miss the entire season. NBC Sports' Matt Maiocco reported that it's "reasonable, rational, logical" that the 49ers may not have Pearsall in the team's plans for the season.

MORE: Baker Mayfield calls out Buccaneers for "disappointing" trade offer

Ricky Pearsall injury history

Ever since Pearsall entered the NFL, the former second-round pick has dealt with brutal injury luck. On August 31, 2024, Pearsall was shot in the chest during an armed robbery attempt, which delayed his NFL debut.

Pearsall made his NFL debut in Week 7 of the 2024 season and was able to play in 11 games teh rest of the way for San Francisco after recovering.

Last year, Pearsall dealt with a knee injury that held him to just nine games during the regular season, including six straight games between Weeks 5 and 10. Then, he missed two more games in the regular season and only appeared in one of the 49ers' playoff games during the Winter.

That knee injury has now carried over into the 2026 season, as Pearsall began training camp with swelling in his right knee.

49ers WR depth chart

The 49ers' wide receiver depth chart is headlined by veteran Mike Evans, who is still one of the better receivers in the league during his 13th season. Evans becomes San Francisco's top receiver after coming over in free agency from the Buccaneers.

Pearsall and Christian Kirk round out the projected starters, but both are currently dealing with injuries. Pearsall was expected to play a key role in his third season while Kirk is playing for his fourth team in nine seasons.

Among the depth options, De'Zhaun Stribling is the player who could see more opportunities with Pearsall out. The 49ers took Stribling with the first pick of the second round, showing that the team thinks very highly of him.

Demarcus Robinson is a well-traveled veteran, while Watkins, Cowing and Bergen were all late-round 49ers picks within the last few seasons.