SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- With his right knee surgery complete, San Francisco 49ers receiver Ricky Pearsall is looking ahead to the roughly nine-month recovery that awaits him before he can return to the field. Hours after the procedure to repair the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, Pearsall took to Instagram to post a series of photos with family and Bible verses, writing: "Now it's time... The road back starts now."

Pearsall initially injured the knee in a Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, costing him 10 games. After discussions this offseason, the Niners and Pearsall opted against surgery in hopes rehab and rest would suffice. But after just three training camp practices, swelling returned, leading to surgery. The 49ers placed Pearsall on season-ending injured reserve nearly two weeks ago, ending his third season before it began.

If recovery goes as expected, it should take about nine months and have him ready for the start of the 2027 season. That sets up a pivotal fourth year for Pearsall, with the Niners needing to decide on his fifth-year option next offseason. He missed the first six games of his rookie year after being shot in an attempted robbery in San Francisco. For his career, Pearsall has 67 receptions for 928 yards and three touchdowns in 20 games.