Ricky Pearsall already made an early impact against the Lions, but one play late in the first quarter stood out even more.
The San Francisco 49ers made no mistake about taking their Week 16 Monday Night Football matchup against the Detroit Lions lightly.
Despite being eliminated from the postseason, the Niners were intent on delivering a message to the same team they beat in the NFC Championship team last January.
But there's a new face in the equation, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who hasn't had too many opportunities to shine since his NFL-first touchdown way back against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier this season.
Pearsall, the rookie, was preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft back when San Francisco came from behind to beat the Lions in the playoffs last season.
However, in what many are seeing as a meaningless game with zero implications for the playoffs this year, Pearsall is still looking to cut his teeth against one of the NFC's best teams.
Ricky Pearsall delivers one-handed catch in prime time
Pearsall helped get the 49ers on the scoreboard first, hauling in a 3-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brock Purdy that made things 7-0.
However, late in the first quarter, Purdy was under pressure and had to throw in the rookie's direction, prompting the former Florida Gator to reach out for the pass with one hand.
And haul it in:
Ricky Pearsall juggles it and secures it for the catch!
— NFL (@NFL) December 31, 2024
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While the 14-yard reception was impressive, credit has to go to Pearsall for being mindful about his footwork, ensuring he'd get both feet in bounds after securing the ball.
The first-round draftee entered the week with 190 receiving yards on 17 receptions, and his efforts against a playoff-bound Lions team will help with much-needed momentum heading into the offseason.