SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, the San Francisco 49ers’ first-round draft pick in 2024, will undergo season-ending knee surgery, general manager John Lynch announced before Saturday’s practice at training camp.

“He’s gutted, we’re gutted,” Lynch said. “He’s a really good football player and a really important member of our team. … He still has a bright future. We’ll get this taken care of.”

Wide receiver Deebo Samuel’s return to the 49ers, starting with Saturday’s practice, wasn’t so much intended as a contingency regarding Pearsall’s health but rather a complement to a revised receiving corps, Lynch said.

Pearsall injured the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in Week 4 last season, after posting a pair of 100-yard outings in the first three games. He subsequently missed eight games as well as their wild-card playoff upset at Philadelphia before returning for the divisional-round exit at Seattle.

Pearsall looked sharp through two practices this training camp, including multiple catches late in Monday’s session. His knee experienced swelling afterward with what Lynch called the “rigors of camp.”

Lynch, speaking from his own experience as a former NFL safety, noted that most PCL issues don’t require surgical repair, also citing quarterback Mac Jones’ ability to push past a PCL tear last season. Pearsall returned from his Week 4 injury only to bang that same knee in a game and get sidelined again.

The decision to finally undergo surgery came after consultations with multiple medical experts.

Samuel's second act

Lynch envisions Samuel playing multiple roles similar to his 2019-24 tenure, those being as a receiver, rusher and kick returner.

“I wouldn’t say it was different. It was like I didn’t go anywhere,” said Samuel, who had 72 receptions last season for the 5-12 Commanders. “I know the people here so it was like the same.”

Lynch envisions Samuel playing multiple roles similar to his 2019-24 tenure, those being as a receiver, rusher and kick returner.

Samuel called his first dip into free agency a “long process that was frustrating and hard” before he agreed on a one-year, $7 million deal. He said a “little transaction” was required to swipe jersey No. 19 from Jacob Cowing, who switched to No. 6.

“We’ve been talking to him for a month. Our hope was to add a man to the mix with Ricky Pearsall, Mike Evans, De’Zhaun Stribling, Christian Kirk and that whole group,” Lynch said.

Defensive linemen hurt

Six defensive ends and three defensive tackles were unavailable by the time practice ended. Undrafted rookie Mikail Kamara appeared to sustain the most serious injury, as he got carted off with a knee issue. Also hurt are Romello Height (elbow), Keion White (groin) and Cam Sample (knee). Nick Bosa is being kept out of team drills amid his ACL recovery, while Mykel Williams (knee) remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

Only three defensive ends lasted through practice — Sam Okuayinonu, Quinton Bell and K.J. Henry — while veteran defensive tackle Kevin Givens slid over to right end.

Several former 49ers defensive ends are available in free agency, as is Bosa’s brother, Nick, should he choose to extend his 10-year career. One free agent, Leonard Floyd, played for the 49ers in 2024 and then spent last season in Atlanta under coach Raheem Morris, now the 49ers’ defensive coordinator. Morris praised Floyd as a “phenomenal player and a better human,” adding that a reunion “could possibly happen.”

Alfred Collins has yet to take part in team drills two practices since coming off PUP, while fellow defensive tackles Gracen Halton (knee) and C.J. West (unknown) are also out.

Shanahan progress

Coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the team Saturday morning for the first time at camp, having been hindered by a concussion he sustained in a July 14 car crash. “He’s doing better. They were excited and gave him a nice welcome,” Lynch added. “We’re all pleased with the approach and that was one threshold.”

Shanahan, as he has the previous four practices, watched most of the action from afar, but he did seem a bit more involved, at one point calling over defensive line coach Kris Kocurek. As practice warmups took place, Shanahan met with former 49ers coach Steve Mariucci, who was making his annual visit as an NFL Network analyst.

Marathe moving on

Paraag Marathe, the 49ers’ chief contract negotiator for much of the past 25 years and their executive vice president, is leaving the franchise’s football operations to focus on 49ers Enterprises’ ownership of soccer teams in the United Kingdom.

Marathe, 49ers Enterprises’ president, has overseen Leeds United’s rise to the Premier League, and his full-time role there also includes the recent acquisition of Rangers Football Club in Glasgow, Scotland.

“Throughout his career, he helped shape our football team, played a key role in the development of Levi’s Stadium, and contributed to building our reputation across global sports,” 49ers controlling owner Jed York said in an email to staff. “His leadership and long-term commitment have shaped this organization in lasting ways.”

Brian Hampton has played a key role in the 49ers’ contract talks in recent years, having been promoted a year ago to assistant general manager. Also back in the 49ers’ front office this year is Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who worked as the Minnesota VIkings’ general manager the past four years and was pivotal in the 49ers’ research and development work from 2013-19.

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