Overview
- After missing six games with a PCL injury, Ricky Pearsall has five receptions for 20 yards over three games despite playing close to 80 percent of snaps.
- Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak called the downturn circumstantial, citing coverage dictating throws and game flow limiting chances.
- Head coach Kyle Shanahan said receivers are graded on routes, blocking and beating man coverage rather than statistics.
- Recent tape included missed throws on Pearsall targets against Carolina and a tougher, low-opportunity outing in Cleveland with Denzel Ward and poor conditions.
- With Brandon Aiyuk still away and his 2026 guarantees reportedly voided, the 49ers may lean on Pearsall versus a Titans defense vulnerable to explosive plays, and Christian McCaffrey is expected to play through an illness.