It took just one drive by the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2 of the preseason versus the Las Vegas Raiders to figure out who quarterback Brock Purdy's No. 1 wide receiver would be to kick off the 2025 season.
It's second-year pro Ricky Pearsall.
The Niners' top pick from the 2024 NFL Draft who spent the first half of his rookie season recovering from a gunshot wound suffered in an attempted robbery, has taken full advantage of the context surrounding him entering year two. Veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel was traded off to the Washington Commanders earlier this offseason, while fellow wideout Brandon Aiyuk is still recovering from last year's torn ACL and MCL, not projected to be back until Week 6.
Plus, with Purdy's favorite wide receiver from a year ago, Jauan Jennings, nursing an apparent calf injury, Pearsall has been the go-to option.
Especially early against Vegas.
Ricky Pearsall is the 49ers' bona fide No. 1 wide receiver for Brock Purdy now
Granted, things might change when both Jennings and Aiyuk return to action. And San Francisco will happily welcome both back after dealing with wide receiver shortages throughout training camp and into the preseason.
That said, it's apparent the Purdy-Pearsall connection is going to be important, and it was in full feature mode at Allegiant Stadium.
Including this dot from Purdy on the 49ers' opening drive:
Brock & Ricky back at it!
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 16, 2025
📺: KPIX
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4oaLh pic.twitter.com/EEecl0V7a6
Related story: Brock Purdy's chemistry with Ricky Pearsall might be 49ers' biggest X-factor
Purdy targeted Pearsall four times on that drive, which ended in a field goal, and the second-year wideout hauled in three of those passes for 42 yards.
Granted, head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense isn't going to be on full display, and Las Vegas head coach Pete Carroll isn't going to deploy a dynamic defense either. So, it's fair to wonder how "vanilla" both teams' schemes are in a mere exhibition matchup.
Still, it makes plenty of sense for Purdy and Pearsall to work on their chemistry now, especially with the knowledge the Niners' wide receiver room is awfully questionable deeper down the depth chart.
Until then, it's Pearsall season.