Then-rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall's first game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was a memorable one, particularly because it resulted in his first-ever touchdown after the San Francisco 49ers selected him in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Unfortunately for the second-year pro, it doesn't appear as if he'll have an opportunity to back up that showing in his next go-around against the Bucs.
Pearsall missed the Niners' primetime Week 5 showdown against the Los Angeles Rams with a knee injury suffered the previous week versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. While general manager John Lynch offered some modest hope for the receiver returning to action this Sunday, San Francisco's practice reports suggested otherwise.
On Friday, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Pearsall would need at least another week before returning to action.
Already missing plenty of offensive weaponry, including another absence from quarterback Brock Purdy, the Pearsall news is only going to put more pressure on Shanahan and the 49ers to keep pace with the 4-1 Buccaneers.
49ers Week 6 injury report vs. Buccaneers is a problem
Shanahan detailed the following injuries ahead of Sunday's tilt at Raymond James Stadium:
Out
- QB Brock Purdy (toe)
- WR Ricky Pearsall (knee)
- DE Robert Beal Jr. (ankle)
- DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee)
- WR Jordan Watkins (calf)
- DT Kevin Givens (pectoral)
Questionable
- QB Mac Jones (knee)
- WR Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs)
- DT Alfred Collins (knee)
- DB Upton Stout (ankle)
- DT Kalia Davis (hand)
- DB Malik Mustapha (knee)
It'd be one thing if Pearsall was absent, but the Niners knew fully well they could rely on other veteran pass catchers like Jennings and tight end George Kittle, the latter still on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.
With Jennings' status still up in the air, though, backup quarterback Mac Jones again has to hinge his offensive hopes on the likes of depth receiver Kendrick Bourne, who at least delivered in LA the week prior with a 10-catch, 142-yard game.
If both Pearsall and Jennings are unavailable, Bourne might need to replicate that same production again.
On the flip side, Tampa Bay isn't exactly healthy either, as wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, along with running back Bucky Irving, are out for Sunday's tilt. So is cornerback Zyon McCullom.
Perhaps that helps offset San Francisco's own injury woes a bit, but it's safe to assume the preference would be for Pearsall to be out there on Sunday, Oct. 12.