Former 49ers linebacker names Ricky Pearsall the secret weapon for this weekend's matchup with Seattle.
The San Francisco 49ers’ path to the NFC Championship Game may hinge on a player who hasn’t taken the field in weeks.
As the postseason shifts to Seattle, all eyes remain fixed on wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, whose potential return could dramatically reshape this divisional matchup.
Former 49ers safety Donte Whitner made his stance clear when breaking down the key to beating the Seahawks.
Whitner pointed directly at Pearsall, citing the rookie’s ability to stress Seattle’s secondary in ways few receivers on San Francisco’s roster can.
He noted that Seahawks defensive backs struggled to match Pearsall’s fluid movement, vertical acceleration, and ability to win on double moves.
According to Whitner, Seattle’s defenders respect Pearsall because his game mirrors many of the same traits seen in Jaxon Smith-Njigba—smooth releases, comfort over the middle, and consistent production after the catch.
In Whitner’s estimation, Pearsall’s presence alone would tilt the contest decisively in the 49ers’ favor.
That belief explains why Pearsall’s status this week has drawn so much attention.
Although San Francisco did not hold a full practice on Tuesday, Kyle Shanahan listed Pearsall as a limited participant in the team’s walkthrough, a label widely viewed as encouraging.
David Lombardi of The SF Standard later reported that Pearsall is expected to operate at full speed in upcoming practices, fueling optimism that he will be available Saturday after missing the final two games of the regular season.
San Francisco’s need for Pearsall has only intensified following George Kittle’s season-ending Achilles injury. With one of the league’s most versatile tight ends sidelined, the 49ers’ offensive options have narrowed.
Pearsall stands out as the only wideout capable of consistently defeating press-man coverage, an area Seattle excels in defending.
Without a credible downfield threat, the Seahawks are comfortable squatting on short routes and limiting yards after the catch, forcing Brock Purdy to execute near-perfect drives.
Pearsall changes that dynamic instantly. His ability to threaten vertically forces safeties to retreat, opening space underneath for Christian McCaffrey, Jauan Jennings, Demarcus Robinson, Kyle Juszczyk, and Jake Tonges.
That spacing also gives Kyle Shanahan more flexibility, something the offense sorely lacked in Week 18, when even routine completions felt labor-intensive in a three-point outing.
The blueprint already exists. In the season opener, Pearsall torched Seattle for 108 yards on just four receptions, including a pivotal 45-yard strike that flipped field position on the game-winning drive.
That single play highlighted exactly what he brings: explosiveness against man coverage when it matters most.
The 49ers cannot afford another night where everything is a struggle. If San Francisco plans to move on, the offense must generate chunk plays.
Pearsall provides that spark, making life easier for Purdy and restoring balance to Shanahan’s playbook.
Saturday night could define the young receiver’s postseason legacy.
If Pearsall suits up, the 49ers gain the element they’ve been missing, and perhaps the edge they need to survive Seattle.