Ricky Pearsall Stuns NFL Combine: 4.41 40-Yard Dash Rockets Florida WR into First-Round Conversation

San Francisco—Ricky Pearsall’s second NFL training camp is starting on the sideline. The San Francisco 49ers placed the 2024 first-round wide receiver on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list Friday, a move that also included fellow starter Brandon Aiyuk. According to team sources, Pearsall is nursing a mild hamstring strain that surfaced during organized team activities in June. Pearsall will be eligible to come off the PUP list the moment he passes a physical, but the designation means he will miss at least the first block of camp practices that begin July 23 under head coach Kyle Shanahan’s traditional three-day-on, one-day-off schedule. The coaching staff is expected to ramp him up gradually with an eye on keeping him available for the preseason opener against the Raiders on August 9. Why the 49ers are being cautious • Expanded role: With Deebo Samuel traded to Jacksonville in March, Pearsall is penciled in as the primary Z-receiver opposite Aiyuk. • Downfield speed: The former Florida Gator clocked a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 scouting combine, ranking among the top 10 receivers that year—explosive traits Shanahan wants preserved for September. • Depth implications: Jauan Jennings, sixth-round rookie Jeremiah Hunter and veteran Chris Conley currently top the healthy depth chart. Pearsall’s absence will give Jennings and Hunter extra first-team snaps but underscores how thin the unit could be if injuries linger. What it means for Brock Purdy’s offense Quarterback Brock Purdy just signed a record five-year extension and needs continuity with his young weapons. Pearsall’s chemistry with Purdy flashed during red-zone drills this spring, and analysts have labeled the 23-year-old a prime “breakout candidate” for the 2025 season. Early camp reps are crucial for timing on deep-over routes and quick-hitting slants—core concepts in Shanahan’s playbook. Fantasy-football takeaway Managers eyeing late-round upside should monitor Pearsall’s daily participation reports. If he returns before the second preseason game, his target share could surge given Samuel’s 114 vacated looks from last year. Timeline to watch • July 23–29: First practice block—Pearsall expected to rehab on side field. • July 30: First allowable day off; possible PUP activation window. • Aug 9: Preseason Week 1 at Las Vegas—soft deadline for a game-speed test. • Aug 29: NFL mandatory cut-down; lingering PUP status would force Pearsall to miss the first four regular-season games. Bottom line The 49ers are prioritizing long-term health over short-term reps for a receiver they view as a future cornerstone. If Ricky Pearsall clears the PUP list within the next two weeks, he remains on track to be a featured target when San Francisco opens the regular season September 7 in Seattle.