Is 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall already in Kyle Shanahan's doghouse?

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has not caught a pass in three games. Is he just in a slump, or does this suggest that Pearsall has landed himself in head coach Kyle Shanahan's doghouse like other players have in the past.

Shanahan's proverbial doghouse is a place that wide receivers never want to go. It means that Shanahan does not trust that receiver enough with the ball to script plays to put the ball in his hands. Brandon Aiyuk was a prime example of this in his second year with San Francisco when it was clear he was not getting a ton of targets.

Of course, Aiyuk subsequently went on to become a huge part of San Francisco's offense, which shows trips to the doghouse need not be permanent.

It is still very early in Pearsall's career, of course, and it must be noted it is a miracle he is even playing at all after he survived a gunshot to the chest earlier this year. He is a great story and nothing can take away from his perserverence.

Yet, it is worth noting that Pearsall has not been as productive as of late. In the last three games he has no catches on three targets. This is after the first-round draft pick looked like he was turning into a weapon for the 49ers with a four-catch, 73-yard performance against the Tampa Bay Bucanneers that saw him record his first career touchdown reception.

So, what gives?

Shanahan himself believes not too much should be read into Pearsall's lack of production as of late. He notes that Pearsall got a bit banged up in Week 12's game against the Green Bay Packers and obviously the elements played a big role in limiting him, and all receivers, in Week 13 against Buffalo.

Therefore, it does not seem like Pearsall has fallen out of favor with Shanahan. The rookie is still trying to get his bearings as he has only played in six NFL games thus far. He is still trying to learn the offense and learn what it takes to be a productive NFL player.

With the Niners looking likely to miss the playoffs, these last five games of the season are a great opportunity for the former Florida Gator to gain valuable experience and build up his confidence. Plus, snow seems unlikely for the rest of San Francisco's contests this season so at least Pearsall should be able to run routes without fears of slipping and sliding.

The last few weeks have been tough for the rookie, and the 49ers as a whole, but there is reason to believe he will turn things around the rest of the season.

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