The San Francisco 49ers are expected to place starting receiver Ricky Perasall on season-ending injured reserve, losing him for the remainder of the 2023 season.
Pearsall's likely season-ending IR designation removes a key vertical/red-zone threat from an already banged-up 49ers receiving corps. With Brandon Aiyuk still working back from his ACL tear and no clear WR1 established, this immediately elevates Jauan Jennings into a full-time starting role and increases his projected target share, especially on early downs and in the slot. It also reinforces George Kittle's and Christian McCaffrey's roles as Brock Purdy's primary safety valves, since the offense will lean more heavily on proven, high-floor options rather than banking on rookie/developing receivers. Deeper-league streamers should also watch Ricky Pearsall's replacement on the depth chart—likely Demarcus Robinson or a rookie—for FLEX-quality volume if Aiyuk isn't fully healthy by midseason.
The NFC West is stacked and the 49ers are set to lose 2024 first-round pick and starting WR Ricky Perasall for the year.