The San Francisco 49ers rookies reported for training camp earlier this week on July 15. Although the veterans don't officially report until July 22, the 49ers released players' injury designations heading into training camp. Unsurprisingly, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk landed on the team's active Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list due to the torn ACL he sustained last season.
However, one unexpected name on the PUP list caught many fans by surprise. According to Adam Schefter, second-year receiver Ricky Pearsall landed on the active PUP list heading into training camp.
49ers placed WRs Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 18, 2025
WR Ricky Pearsall Surprisingly Lands on PUP List to Start Training Camp
Though Pearsall was dealing with a hamstring injury during the spring, he was expected to return for the start of training camp. Head coach Kyle Shanahan made this clear when he talked to the media after the first day of mandatory minicamp on June 10.
Shanahan said, "Ricky had a hamstring, nothing serious. He is really pretty good now. We’re just being safe, so he’ll be good by training camp." Given Shanahan sounded confident Pearsall would be back for the start of training camp, it's a bit concerning that he won't be.
As a rookie, Pearsall missed the first six games of the year due to a gunshot wound to the chest that he suffered during an attempted robbery. Furthermore, the 24-year-old also missed time during training camp last year because of hamstring and shoulder injuries. Therefore, starting out on the PUP list this year isn't a great sign.
Pearsall's absence at the start of camp means that veterans Jauan Jennings and Demarcus Robins will be the main targets. That said, both players are dealing with off-the-field issues right now. Jennings has made it clear that he wants to rework his contract or get traded.
Robinson is dealing with legal issues after getting cited for a DUI last December, which could lead to a suspension from the NFL. If both players miss the start of training camp in addition to Pearsall, the 49ers will be counting on two young receivers to lead the team.
As a result, they may need to add another body from the remaining free agent pool.