Should I Start Ricky Pearsall?

Saturday, June 27, 8:13 AM

When the San Francisco 49ers have two wide receivers on the field this year, it will likely be Ricky Pearsall across from future Hall of Famer and newcomer Mike Evans, according to Kyle Madson of Niners Wire. Health is obviously a major question mark for Pearsall, who has played in only 20 games due to injuries in his first two years in the NFL, but he's one of the team's two best receivers if he's healthy. The 25-year-old former 31st overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Florida has caught 67 of his 99 targets for 928 yards and three touchdowns in his first two years in the league, averaging 13.9 yards per reception. Jauan Jennings is now in Minnesota, and former first-rounder Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is expected to be traded or released this summer. Veteran Christian Kirk should handle slot duties, but Pearsall is the team's clear No. 2 if he's on the field. Pearsall should be set for the highest usage of his career in Year 3 if he can avoid injuries. Fantasy managers should consider him a high-risk/high-reward WR4/flex in upcoming 2026 drafts. At RotoBaller, Pearsall is ranked as the No. 41 fantasy WR.