Rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has only played in three games since his own return from injury, but he's thrilled to have star running back Christian McCaffrey back in the San Francisco 49ers' offense. While McCaffrey, the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, adds significant firepower to a 49ers offense that has battled inconsistency this season, Pearsall's excitement extends beyond McCaffrey's personal on-field production.
"Honestly, I was happy to get Christian back for two reasons," Pearsall shared with team reporter Lindsey Pallares. "Obviously, he's a big playmaker, but it's going to open up the receivers, too. He's such a person that you got to really see on the field and make sure you know where he's at at all times. So for us, the receivers, it's going to open up a lot of stuff."
Pearsall had his biggest performance yet as a pro in Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recording four catches for 73 yards and his first NFL touchdown.
Pearsall added, "And he's a big playmaker. He's a leader on our team, and he's one of my locker mates, so I talk to him daily."
Returning from Achilles tendinitis, McCaffrey contributed 39 rushing yards on 13 carries and added six receptions for 68 yards, playing 88% of the offensive snaps in his 2024 season debut.
The 49ers defeated the Buccaneers 23-20 and will now begin preparations for their Week 11 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium.
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