49ers first round pick Ricky Pearsall will miss “first block” of training camp according to GM John Lynch

It’s been a tumultuous offseason for the wide receiver corps of the San Francisco 49ers.

Veteran Brandon Aiyuk is playing on his fifth-year option but recently requested a trade. Rookie first rounder Ricky Pearsall suffered a hamstring injury away from team facilities and will start training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. GM John Lynch indicated that Pearsall will miss the “first block” of training camp, which is an incredibly important time for players making the jump from college to the professional game.

There were also reports during this spring’s NFL Draft that San Francisco was searching for a partner in a trade of veteran Deebo Samuel, though ultimately a move did not come to fruition.

49ers rookie WR Ricky Pearsall injured his hamstring. Because it happened away from the facility, he is — by rule — on the NFI list instead of the PUP list.

Lynch anticipates Pearsall will miss the “first block” of training camp practices https://t.co/9jIQNNCG7k

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) July 23, 2024

It’s not all bad for the 49ers. Aiyuk has reported to camp, though it’s unclear yet whether he plans to “hold in” as he awaits a potential contract extension or a trade. That’s at least something to work with and an admission by the player that the team holds the leverage at this time.

Also worth mentioning is the fact that three defenders will join Pearsall on the PUP list: Drake Jackson, Dre Greenlaw, and Talanoa Hufanga. Jackson is a former second round pick out of USC whose 2023 season ended nine games prematurely because of a quadriceps injury. Greenlaw famously injured his Achilles in the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs which was a dramatic blow to San Francisco’s defense in the biggest game of the season. Hufanga is recovering from a torn ACL dating back to Week 11 last year. He’s a a fiery, physical defender in the 49ers’ secondary.

How will the absence of Pearsall affect his rookie campaign, especially amidst Aiyuk’s reported contract battles and trade request? Will this be the season that the Los Angeles Rams finally topple San Francisco and overtake the NFC West crown?