One player on the San Francisco 49ers who has been non-existent in terms of production is Ricky Pearsall.
He returned in Week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals after missing six weeks with a PCL injury. Pearsall had only one catch on two targets for zero yards. That game can be prepared right down to the battle and the game plan.
Certainly, Pearsall will explode against the Carolina Panthers because they do not have an effective pass rush. Unfortunately, this was also the case for Pearsall. He was targeted four times and two of them were caught at a distance of six yards.
Pearsall’s lack of involvement is starting to raise eyebrows. It appears the 49ers are using him as a bait more than anything, which could mean he’s not completely healthy. However, Kyle Shanahan dismissed that notion, claiming Pearsall looks normal.
49ers not worried about using Ricky Pearsall
“I look at how guys move, how they block, how they execute their routes, how they beat man-coverage, how long it takes them to get to their spots in fields,” Shanahan said. “Now I don’t see any difference with Ricky in those three games.
“I think you don’t have to worry as much about receivers, but now that everyone is talking about stats and fantasy stuff, seven days a week, 24 hours a day, it puts a lot of pressure on those guys.”
There really shouldn’t be any concerns about Pearsall. If anything, his comeback has been a sight for sore eyes. Wherever he goes, the coverage is heavily geared towards him. This is helping open up the offense in the passing game.
However, if Shanahan really wanted, it could take a concerted effort and push to get Pearsall the ball. But this may come at a cost to the flow of crime. Their participation is decided every week.
“I think we’re still working on it, not trying to get our heads down about the last two games or anything like that,” Brock Purdy said. “And obviously I want to get Ricky the ball. He’s explosive, he’s dynamic. He’s a great teammate, I have a brother, like, I want the best for him.
“So, it’s just about the opportunity that we get in the game. We have to take advantage of it. I have to continue to trust the routes and put together plays in practice and then I know that will carry over into the game. So, I’m 100 percent confident that it will carry over.”
Don’t expect Pearsall’s involvement to increase against the Cleveland Browns. Not only is it a great defense they are facing, but the weather is extremely unfavorable for throwing.
It should be another quiet outing for Pearsall.
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