San Francisco 49ers’ Superstar Wide Receiver Undergoes Surgery, Out For Season In Disastrous Turn Of Events

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

The San Francisco 49ers made two big team changes on Friday. The squad officially shared the news that they signed receiver Deebo Samuel to a one-year deal. At the same time, the team placed receiver Ricky Pearsall on injured reserve for the whole year.

This move ends Pearsall’s 2026 season before it can even start. The young player has struggled with constant knee problems linked to the injury that hurt him last year.

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported, “WR Ricky Pearsall, who has been bothered by a PCL injury, is having surgery to repair the ligament, procedure that ends his season, GM John Lynch announced. A frustrating outcome for SF.”

Pearsall Faces Another Major Setback

The 49ers picked Pearsall with the 31st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, hoping he would become a key part of their offense. However, injuries have slowed his career. In his first two NFL seasons, he has already missed 14 games. Although when he was good in 2025, he had 36 passes for 528 yards in nine starts.

With Pearsall now out for the season, San Francisco will have to adjust its plans.

#49ers WR Ricky Pearsall, who has been bothered by a PCL injury, is having surgery to repair the ligament, procedure that ends his season, GM John Lynch announced. A frustrating outcome for SF. pic.twitter.com/SqlEwYDnIU

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 1, 2026

The good news for the 49ers is that Samuel is back after spending the 2025 season with the Commanders. Samuel returns to the team that drafted him in 2019 and brings plenty of experience. Over seven NFL seasons, he has recorded 406 catches for 5,519 yards and 27 touchdowns, while also adding 1,218 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns.

San Francisco had planned for Pearsall to step into a larger spot next to Brandon Aiyuk, but that plan hasn’t worked out since last year. Aiyuk is also set to leave after dealing with injuries and contract issues.

To boost the group, the 49ers picked up Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in free agency, drafted De’Zhaun Stribling in round two, and still hold Demarcus Robinson on the squad. With Pearsall gone, Samuel will again fill a big spot, but this time inside a whole new group led by Evans.