San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is one of six rookies nominated for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week award following his breakout performance in the 49ers 23-20 road win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10. The rookie wideout made his presence felt with a career-high 73 receiving yards and his first-ever touchdown reception, playing a pivotal role in the 49ers victory.
In his third game back from the Non-Football Injury list, Pearsall showcased his explosive playmaking ability. On the 49ers second offensive series, quarterback Brock Purdy connected with Pearsall and the receiver quickly turned upfield, outracing Tampa Bay defenders before diving across the goal line to get points on the board for San Francisco. Pearsall's score gave the 49ers a 7-0 lead in the first quarter and marked the first touchdown of Pearsall's career. The highlight play was an impressive feat in itself – according to Next Gen Stats, his 46-yard touchdown had just a 19.1 percent chance of being a score. He gained 31 yards after the catch, showing off his explosive speed and shed off Bucs safety Antoine Winfield Jr. allowing him to break free for the TD.
Pearsall also stepped up in clutch moments late in the game, catching two key passes for 20 yards to set up San Francisco's game-winning drive. The 49ers selected the wide receiver from the University of Florida with the 31st-overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
To vote for Ricky Pearsall for this week's Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week click here.
