SANTA CLARA – Ricky Pearsall showcased an impressive double move to secure what could be considered the most crucial catch for the 49ers in their recent game. This pivotal third-and-long conversion sparked a scoring drive just before halftime in Cleveland, leading to the 49ers scoring the last 19 points in a decisive 26-8 victory on November 30. However, despite this significant play, Pearsall has yet to find the end zone, with none of his 25 receptions this season resulting in a touchdown.
As the 49ers prepare to face the Tennessee Titans this Sunday, they may need Pearsall and other wide receivers to step up, especially since running back Christian McCaffrey is expected to play through an illness. “When you start worrying about other things, that”s when you can drive yourself nuts. I try not to do that,” Pearsall stated. “I focus on what I can control, being available for Brock, showing up on those third downs, and making plays when they come my way to help this team win. Ultimately, when we see a “W” on the board, that”s all that matters. I don”t care about the stats.”
Head coach Kyle Shanahan supported Pearsall”s mindset, noting that he doesn”t typically offer public endorsements for receivers unless prompted by media inquiries. Regarding Pearsall, Shanahan remarked, “No need for me to explain anything. He understands it.” Among the 49ers wide receivers, Jauan Jennings has accounted for all five touchdowns this season, matching the total of both McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle. This situation has not helped to alleviate concerns about Brandon Aiyuk, who has been absent throughout the season.
Pearsall”s second season began strong with 100-yard performances in two of the first three games. However, a knee injury in Week 4 sidelined him for six games. Since returning, his production has been limited to a total of five receptions across three games, with minimal yardage gains. “Being a receiver, sometimes the ball doesn”t come your way,” Pearsall explained. “Different coverages have to align, and you need to beat your defender. There are a lot of variables to consider. I”ve just got to stay ready.”
The other receivers have faced similar struggles. In the last three games since Brock Purdy returned, Demarcus Robinson has recorded the only other two receptions, while Kendrick Bourne and Skyy Moore have not registered any catches, and rookie Jordan Watkins has been inactive. Aiyuk, a year removed from a serious knee injury, has remained unavailable, even missing this week”s team photo. “At this point, it doesn”t seem like he”s coming back,” Kittle said. “I try my best not to think about it. I love Brandon. I wish he was here. It kind of just makes me sad.”
Kittle also emphasized the impact of Aiyuk”s presence on the field, particularly as a powerful blocker in the run game alongside Jennings. He described Aiyuk”s athletic ability, noting, “He can run 22 mph then stop on a dime, then jump 40 inches with a freakishly long wingspan and catch any ball you throw to him.” However, the 49ers voided Aiyuk”s 2026 guarantees of $27 million back in July, reportedly due to his failure to adhere to the team”s rehabilitation plan. Purdy, while avoiding comments on Aiyuk”s off-field issues, praised his on-field capabilities. “Aiyuk is a baller; he makes plays,” Purdy said. “He does a great job of creating separation in man-to-man matchups and can bring juice to the offense.”
LINEBACKER OUTLOOK
Curtis Robinson is set to make his third consecutive start at middle linebacker in place of Tatum Bethune, who is sidelined with a high-ankle sprain. Both players have been stepping up in the absence of All-Pro Fred Warner, who underwent right-ankle surgery nearly two months ago. “Curtis is no different than all of them in terms of size, length, foot speed, all that stuff,” defensive coordinator Robert Saleh commented. “He just happens to be really good at calling the defense, and he creates a calm in there.” Robinson has recorded nine tackles over his two starts, following a performance where he tallied 12 tackles in the November 16 win against Arizona.
INJURY REPORT
Sidelined players include defensive linemen Sam Okuayinonu (ankle) and Yetur Gross-Matos (hamstring; injured reserve), linebackers Bethune and Nick Martin (concussion), and quarterback Kurtis Rourke (reserve/non-football-injury list). Both Bethune and Martin were seen running on the sidelines but did not participate in practice this week, nor did practice-squad addition Eric Kendricks (calf). The Titans have ruled out cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis (Achilles) and listed three offensive linemen as questionable: center Lloyd Cushenberry (foot), left tackle Dan Moore (neck), and guard Kevin Zeitler (groin; did not practice Friday). Additionally, defensive end C.J. Ravenell (toe) and linebacker James Williams (illness) are also questionable.
SALEH”S PROSPECTS
The Titans are searching for a new head coach, with Mike McCoy serving as the interim following the firing of Brian Callahan. Shanahan is preparing for the possibility of Saleh leaving for a head coaching opportunity, similar to his previous departure to the New York Jets four years ago. “Robert had a lot of opportunities to be a defensive coordinator,” Shanahan mentioned. “He was definitely our first choice, and he said we were his. I hope for us he”s not a head coach next year. But when you have the talent Robert does, it”s only a matter of time.”
JENNINGS” CHIT-CHAT
Almost two weeks have passed since Jennings stirred controversy by making comments that upset several defenders from the Browns during a game, igniting discussions on whether he crossed certain lines. “There”s a line you don”t cross, and I don”t think he crossed the line,” tight end George Kittle reflected. “People have said absolutely crazy things to me on a field, and I”ve remarked, “You shouldn”t say that, I”m mic”d up.” I don”t think what Jauan said was out of line.” Kittle added, “When he gets chirped, he chirps back. One thing I really respect is he”s never thrown a punch. The only penalties he”s received are when other guys jump him. He”s done a really good job of mouthing off to an extent without ever getting a penalty. That”s part of the game.”
