The San Francisco 49ers are 3-0 despite dealing with a plethora of injuries in the opening weeks of the season, and there was more concern on Wednesday as one of their stars of the campaign so far missed practice.
Ricky Pearsall, the 49ers' 2024 first-round pick, saw his hopes of quickly shining as a rookie derailed when he was shot in San Francisco in August last year in an incident in which he miraculously escaped serious internal injuries.
But he has made up for lost time in a big way in 2025.
With Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle both out through injury, Pearsall has emerged as the clear number one receiver for the 49ers.
He has racked up 281 receiving yards through three games, the third-most in then NFL, and is averaging a league-leading 12.2 yards per target.
The 49ers have seen a host of wide receivers suffer injuries this season. Jauan Jennings missed last week's win over the Arizona Cardinals, while Jacob Cowing and rookie Jordan Watkins have yet to play this season.
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Pearsall appearing on Wednesday's injury report was therefore an alarming sign, but the former 31st overall pick moved to calm concerns about him missing Sunday's Week 4 meeting with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Pearsall plans to play
Asked by ESPN's Nick Wagoner about his knee problem, Pearsall said: "I just have a little bit of knee soreness.
"But it's nothing that I'm actually worried about at all. Just more of a little precaution.
"If I had to go today, I would. If there was a game today, then I'd play."
Jennings also missed practice with ankle and shoulder problems, though the 49ers will get a boost at receiver with Demarcus Robinson poised to make his debut after a three-game suspension.
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It is still unclear who will play quarterback against Jacksonville. Brock Purdy has missed the last two games with turf toe, while backup Mac Jones battled through a knee injury in the win over Arizona.
Both Purdy and Jones were limited on Wednesday, with practice squad quarterback Adrian Martinez, who has never played an NFL game, getting the majority of first-team reps.
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