Kyle Shanahan reveals why Ricky Pearsall isn't back yet for 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are one of the most banged-up teams in the NFL this season, and while Fred Warner and Nick Bosa are done for the year, the offense has been spared from huge season-ending injuries.

That isn't to say they've been healthy. Brock Purdy has missed a lot of time this season, George Kittle has landed on injured reserve and come back, and Ricky Pearsall has missed a lot of time so far this season.

In a recent press conference, Coach Yac on Twitter/X shared Shanahan's answer as to why Pearsall is still out. It's a revealing answer, as the second-year receiver is still a ways away from returning for the 49ers.

Kyle Shanahan reveals why the 49ers are still without WR Ricky Pearsall

"Yeah, you can't play football," Shanahan said. "... He can run certain speeds, but he hasn't been able to hit his normal speeds that would allow him to come back. We don't let people come back until they can hit their normal speeds before they got hurt, or it makes them susceptible to injury again."

This answer from Shanahan comes amid Pearsall's long absence from the team. He last played against the Jacksonville Jaguars, all the way back in Week 4.

In the year, he had 20 receptions for 327 yards, and was a big part of the offense until his injury. But, since his knee injury, he's missed a lot of time.

The 49ers could've placed him on injured reserve to conserve a roster spot, but instead, he's been on the active roster and ruled out every week since Week 4. Pearsall has missed five games and will miss his sixth in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Rams.

With the 49ers' bye week in Week 14, San Francisco is still a ways from getting a much-needed week of rest. After Week 10 against the Rams, San Francisco has three games left, including a road trip to Cleveland in Week 13.

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If Pearsall's injury continues to linger, and he can't run full speed like he used to before the injury, then he won't see the field. Based on how long this recovery has taken, Pearsall could miss the 49ers' next couple of games leading up to the bye week.

At 6-3, the 49ers don't need to rush him back, especially if they get a win over the Rams in Week 10. With matchups against the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, and Cleveland Browns before the bye, the 49ers should be able to let Pearsall take his time recovering before bringing him back.

This wouldn't be as frustrating or confusing a situation if Pearsall were on injured reserve. But, because he's not been placed there, the 49ers have left the door open to his return at any time.

With just four games left until the bye, barring Pearsall's injury getting worse, the 49ers won't place him on injured reserve. He's still expected to return, but his return date is very much up in the air as he tries to recover from this tricky knee injury.

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