49ers reporter David Lombardi observed WR Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) running off to the side of practice “at what looks like full speed.” Lombardi expects the rookie to return to practice next week.
Prior to the injury, Pearsall appeared on his way to earning a Year 1 role.
Here’s HC Kyle Shanahan back in June.
“He’s got really good hands so he’s rarely going to have a drop,” Shanahan observed. “We’re getting him a lot of reps. He’s getting a lot of different routes, trying all the positions and we’ve been really impressed with how he started off.”
Recall that the 49ers used a Round 1 pick (31st overall) on Pearsall. He spent five seasons in college (Florida and Arizona State), totaling 159 catches, 2,420 yards, and 14 TDs.
The handling of Brandon Aiyuk’s contract will play a huge role in Pearsall’s 2024 outlook.
If Aiyuk’s dealt, that would remove 105 targets from 2023; a 22.2% team share. We’d see how Pearsall’s ADP would adjust in such a situation, but it’s fair to say he’d realistically carry a WR3 ceiling.
If Aiyuk returns, there’s little reason to believe Pearsall will make an immediate fantasy impact. Note: Over the past three years, the 49ers have finished 32nd, 26th, and 29th in pass attempts.
For 2024, we project San Francisco for just a 52.2% pass rate.
Pearsall cracks the top-45 of our WR dynasty rankings.
If Brandon Aiyuk plays for another team in 2024, the rookie will creep much closer to WR3 range.
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