Niners Nation
The 49ers rookie has emerged a key playmaker through the first few games of the season.
The San Francisco 49ers enjoyed a 23-20 walk-off victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the weekend, hanging on to get a much-needed win against a feisty opponent.
In a game of adversity, the 49ers relied on a number of their stars, but it was their rookie class that also made a significant impact to help San Francisco pull it together and improve to 5-4.
Rookie Renardo Green stepped in for top cornerback Charvarius Ward, allowing just one catch in the win, while breaking up a pass late, attacking the hands of the targeted receiver on what initially seemed like a catch.
But, it was the Ricky Pearsall show, as the 49ers first-round pick had his biggest game yet, catching four passes for 73 yards, including a 46-yard catch-and-run that resulted in his first career touchdown.
Pearsall, the No. 31 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was playing in his third career game on Sunday, seeing his workload slowly continue to increase as one of San Francisco’s top three receivers alongside starters Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings.
It was a different type of game for the 49ers on Sunday, as they had around half of their yards in the air come from yards after the catch, and Pearsall was a big beneficiary of that on his touchdown, taking a pass over the middle 30+ yards after the catch to get the score.
Pearsall’s volume came more in the second half, as he had four targets in the first half, hauling in the touchdown and another short pass, while getting a pass interference call on another play.
But, the rookie came in clutch late in the fourth quarter, catching a short six-yard pass to start the 49ers’ final drive on a 2nd & 4 before separating well at the stem of his route for a much-needed 14-yard catch on the very next play.
“He’s the toughest guy that I know, man, just from being drafted, the expectations, and the pressures of being a first-rounder,” quarterback Brock Purdy said on KNBR Tuesday. “To then coming in, learning our playbook, and competing, and then going through a gunshot and worrying about your life. And then getting healthy and getting back. That is so much for a rookie and as a young human. And to then getting back and getting in our offense. And not just getting back, but just making plays and being a huge part of our offense.”
As the 49ers continue through the second half, they’re going to need significant contributions from Pearsall as one of their top three receivers, especially with star wideout Brandon Aiyuk out for the remainder of the year due to a torn ACL and MCL.
Over his past two games, the rookie has delivered, getting at least 70 yards from scrimmage in both contests, while operating in a few different roles. He’s split looks as an outside receiver and in...
