The San Francisco 49ers released their first injury report for Week 4, and rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is among the notable names sidelined. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Pearsall would not practice on Wednesday after suffering a knee injury against the Arizona Cardinals.

“I’m not sure which play it was on,” Shanahan said. “He can’t go today. Hopefully, he’ll get better later in the week.”

In the team’s narrow 16-15 win over the Cardinals, Pearsall was on the field for 97 percent of snaps, showing how important he is to Shanahan’s game plan. He delivered his best performance to date, catching eight of 11 targets for 117 yards, including multiple explosive plays that kept the chains moving in a defensive battle.

Through three weeks, Pearsall ranks third in the NFL in both receiving yards (281) and air yards (392). His deep-threat ability has been particularly impressive. He has hauled in four of seven targets that traveled 20-plus yards downfield.

The news comes at a tough time for San Francisco’s offense, which has leaned heavily on Pearsall’s playmaking through the first three weeks. With Christian McCaffrey handling an NFL-leading workload and Pearsall leading all qualifying receivers in yards per reception heading into Week 3, the rookie has quickly become indispensable.

Here’s a breakdown of the team’s latest injury report as of Wednesday:

Did Not Practice

• WR Jordan Watkins (calf)
• WR Ricky Pearsall (knee)
• WR Jauan Jennings (ankle/shoulder)
• DT CJ West (thumb)
• LT Trent Williams (vet day)
• RB Christian McCaffrey (vet day)
• DL Yetur Gross-Matos (knee)
• Edge Nick Bosa (knee)

Limited Participants

• QB Brock Purdy (shoulder/toe)
• QB Mac Jones (knee)
• CB Renardo Green (neck)
• OL Connor Colby (groin)
• CB Deommodore Lenoir (illness)

A timely return

The 49ers did receive some good news, as DeMarcus Robinson returned to practice after his suspension was lifted. Shanahan noted he’s “excited to get Robinson back involved,” and his availability couldn’t come at a better time. With both Pearsall and Jennings sidelined, Robinson provides veteran depth and a reliable target for whoever starts at quarterback in Week 4.

Shanahan also expressed hope that Jennings could return to practice later this week, which would give the offense a much needed boost of depth at the receiver spot as well.

What it all means

The 49ers have proven their ability to win shorthanded, but Pearsall’s knee injury is the biggest storyline heading into the weekend. His explosiveness has opened up the passing game, and without him, San Francisco may need to lean even more heavily on McCaffrey, tight ends, who did not perform very well in Week 3, and Robinson in the passing attack.

While there’s optimism that Pearsall’s absence may be short term, his status will be one to watch closely as San Francisco prepares for another key matchup in the NFC West this Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.