The No. 6 San Francisco 49ers (12-5) head to the City of Brotherly Love to take on the No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) in the Wild Card Round. Sunday's game kicks off from Lincoln Financial Field at 4:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
The 49ers have navigated injuries all season, including stretches without stars DE Nick Bosa and LB Fred Warner. Now, their receiving corps is in flux with WR Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) still banged up. If he sits, the 49ers will be shorthanded in a win-or-go-home showdown against Philadelphia.
Let’s take a closer look a Ricky Pearsall injury update and what it means for the 49ers heading into their Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Eagles. Use PrizePicks and PrizePicks Team Picks to make picks on NFL playoff player projections, spreads, over/unders, and more.
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Ricky Pearsall Injury Update: Will He Play on Sunday vs. Eagles?
Pearsall re-aggravated his PCL and tweaked his ankle in the 49ers’ 42-38 victory over the Bears in Week 17. Before getting hurt, he led San Fran with 5 catches for 85 receiving yards and looked primed to help his team make a run in the playoffs.
After Pearsall's absence in Week 18, he didn't practice all week, leaving his status in serious question leading up to the biggest game of the season.
Even though Pearsall hasn’t taken any reps in practice, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed that he still has “a chance” to play against the Eagles on Sunday.
Pearsall is a critical piece of the 49ers' passing game, and his presence could swing San Francisco’s chances on Sunday. The team is 8-1 with Pearsall and 4-4 without him this year.
In nine regular-season games during his sophomore campaign, Pearsall hauled in 36 passes for 528 yards. He was targeted 53 times.
San Francisco 49ers' Offensive Outlook for Wild Card Game
Pearsall's questionable status casts uncertainty over the 49ers' receiving corps for Sunday's Wild Card Round showdown.
If the 49ers' stud WR is sidelined, TE George Kittle becomes the premier pass-catching option for QB Brock Purdy. Kittle has been a model of consistency, posting 628 receiving yards and 7 TDs while averaging 11.0 yards per reception (YPR).
Kittle's chemistry with Purdy has been on full display all year. His target share (21.6%, fourth-most), first-read targets (45, sixth-most), and first-read target share (25.3%, third-most) showcase the trust between QB and TE. Without Pearsall, Kittle had 29 receptions for 303 receiving yards and 3 TDs in six games.
George Kittle PrizePicks Projections vs. Eagles: 4.5 Receptions (Goblin), 59.5 receiving yards, 7.5 targets
49ers WR Jauan Jennings also has been a big part of the offense in Pearsall’s absence, posting 28 receptions for 301 yards and 3 TDs in seven outings. Jennings’ 11.7 YPR during the regular season showcases his big-play ability.
If the 49ers are forced to play catch-up without Pearsall, both Kittle and Jennings could carry significant upside.
Jauan Jennings PrizePicks Projections vs. Eagles: 3.5 Receptions (Goblin), 45.5 receiving yards, 5.5 targets
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Make 49ers vs. Eagles Wild Card Game Picks on PrizePicks
The 49ers may have to wait until close to kickoff to know whether Pearsall will be able to suit up for a crucial Wild Card Weekend matchup against the Eagles. Ahead of Sunday's game, there are several other ways for fans to get in on the playoff action.
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