Kyle Shanahan 'real happy' with Ricky Pearsall's progress in camp after return from injury

After a delayed start, Ricky Pearsall returned to training camp with the 49ers this week. San Francisco selected him in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but had to wait to see him on the field for a full practice due to a hamstring injury.

So far, he’s looking the part of a first-round pick. Head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke highly of the former Arizona State and Florida standout after the first full week of camp.

Although he missed the first part of training camp, Shanahan said Pearsall is settling in and he’s “real happy with his progress so far” after coming back. He also has the right mentality for a rookie and knows the high bar Shanahan has in place. After all, the 49ers made the Super Bowl a season ago.

“Just because the ball gets thrown to them doesn’t mean they did good or bad always,” Shanahan said. “You get zoned 80% of the time out there. I didn’t realize he didn’t catch a pass, but when I get in there, I’m going watch him run at least 16 routes during plays. So, you expect everyone to catch it when it comes to you. So that really doesn’t affect me in terms of like what we see from a practice, but it’s been cool watching him in the run game.

“He definitely understands our standard. It’s not someone we have to call in and be like, we need more. He gets it. He’s doing everything he can and just continuing to get more reps.”

49ers ‘eased’ Ricky Pearsall back in after injury

Pearsall was a key transfer portal pickups for Billy Napier at Florida and put together his biggest season in 2023. He led the Gators with 965 receiving yards to go with four touchdowns, and he joins a 49ers receiving room with some question marks. Most notably, Brandon Aiyuk requested a trade as he seeks a new contract. That puts his future in question.

But with Pearsall in the room, San Francisco has a young receiver to develop and potentially rely on if necessary. With the way he came back from his injury, Shanahan said the staff tried not to rush him back in to practice. The next step will be a ramp-up.

“It’s tough when you have a hammy and you have to be very smart getting him back,” Shanahan said. “We’ve eased him in, he’s gone through that real well. He’s been real diligent with his rehab and stuff.

“I know his reps went up a little bit more today, but it was a low day overall and I think tomorrow will be a much bigger challenge. It’s a higher practice. We have one-on-ones tomorrow.”