Second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall is emerging as a sunlit storyline for the offense, moving past a spring hamstring injury and stringing together solid practices as the team heads into 2025. After a strong finish to last season, Pearsall has carried that momentum into a new year, and coaches say he’s continued sharpening his route-running and technique at the edge.
Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak noted that Pearsall was already the team’s best option against man coverage by the end of last season, and his continued development could be a catalyst for the unit early in 2025. With several other veteran wideouts dealing with injuries, including Jauan Jennings—who would likely be a primary option if healthy—Pearsall has had more opportunities to prove he belongs as a reliable top-tier target. The revolving door at receiver this spring only heightens Pearsall’s chance to build on that late-season surge and enter the regular season with increased responsibility.
Related players to watch in the receiving corps include Brandon Aiyuk, Jacob Cowing, and Demarcus Robinson, who provide varied skill sets and experience that could help Pearsall learn and adapt quickly. If Pearsall continues to demonstrate the consistency and separation ability that impressed the staff last year, he could become a meaningful piece of a passing attack that aims to spread defenses and create favorable matchups early in 2025.
What to watch:
– Pearsall’s health status and performance in training camp practices, especially in one-on-one drills and team periods.
– Improvement in press coverage defeat and route-running consistency.
– How the receiver depth chart settles with Jennings’ status and how Pearsall handles increased expectations.
– The impact of Aiyuk, Cowing, and Robinson on Pearsall’s opportunities and the overall versatility of the offense.
Summary: Pearsall’s return from injury and strong practice habits position him to seize a bigger role in 2025, offering a hopeful takeaway for an offense looking to capitalize on its outside-the-number playmakers. If he maintains his stride, Pearsall could become a trusted option in multiple sets and formations, providing a positive lift to the team’s passing game.