San Francisco 49ers Place Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall on PUP List, Elevating WR Competition as Camp Spotlight Intensifies

As the San Francisco 49ers open training camp with eyes on another Super Bowl run, they do so without two of their most watched wide receivers. On the eve of the team’s full-squad report, the 49ers announced that star wideout Brandon Aiyuk and rookie first-round pick Ricky Pearsall have been placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. While both are expected back sooner rather than later, their absence opens the door for other wide receivers to seize early momentum in camp.

Aiyuk’s placement on the PUP list comes amid a contract standoff with the team. The 2020 first-round pick out of Arizona State is entering the final year of his rookie deal, though he has expressed strong interest in a long-term extension. The 49ers, likewise, have stated their desire to retain him, but both sides have yet to come to terms. Though the official reason for the PUP designation is “hamstring tightness,” some around the league believe the move is also strategic, giving Aiyuk space while contract talks remain fluid.

In contrast, Pearsall—San Francisco’s surprise first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft—landed on the PUP due to a minor hip flexor strain sustained during offseason workouts. Team sources indicated that Pearsall is likely to return within the first week or two of training camp, but they are opting for a cautious approach to avoid setbacks.

“We’re not going to rush anyone,” said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan in his first press conference of camp. “Brandon’s dealing with a minor issue, and so is Ricky. We’ll bring them along when they’re 100 percent. The goal is to be ready in September, not July.”

But with Aiyuk and Pearsall sidelined, at least temporarily, all eyes shift toward a wide receiver room that’s suddenly full of opportunity. The biggest beneficiary might be third-year receiver Danny Gray, who has shown flashes in practice but has yet to fully carve out a role in the offense. After a 2024 season marred by injuries and inconsistency, Gray enters this camp in prime position to take first-team reps alongside Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings.

Gray’s speed has never been in question—he ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash coming out of SMU. However, his route-running and ability to win contested catches had been concerns entering last season. With a full offseason in the weight room and now an unexpected runway to show out in camp, Gray knows this could be his moment.

“I’m just ready,” Gray told reporters. “I’ve been preparing all offseason like I’m WR1. You never know what’s going to happen in this league. Opportunities come fast, and you have to take them.”

Beyond Gray, second-year receiver Ronnie Bell, a seventh-round pick in 2023, is also expected to see increased reps. Bell showed potential as a possession receiver last year and played significant special teams snaps, but his development as a reliable target in the passing game is one of the team’s internal priorities.

“We loved what Ronnie brought us last season,” said receivers coach Leonard Hankerson. “He’s tough, dependable, and works his tail off. With Brandon and Ricky out, he’s going to get a lot more looks. And we believe in him.”

There’s also growing buzz around undrafted rookie Isaiah Winstead, who has impressed during minicamp and OTAs. Winstead, a 6-foot-3 target from East Carolina, wasn’t selected in the 2025 Draft but was one of the most sought-after UDFAs due to his size and ball skills. In a crowded receiver room, he’s a longshot—but camp surprises happen every year, and Winstead’s opportunity just got a major boost.

“I’m just blessed to be here,” Winstead said. “You get out here, run crisp routes, and make catches, and the rest takes care of itself.”

Meanwhile, veteran Chris Conley remains a steady presence in the receiver room. The 31-year-old re-signed with the 49ers in the offseason on a one-year deal and has been praised by teammates and coaches alike for his leadership. While his role is unlikely to increase significantly, his mentorship—especially in the absence of Aiyuk and Pearsall—has been invaluable.

“I’m just here to help however I can,” Conley said. “Whether that’s lining up outside, in the slot, or helping the young guys understand the playbook and the tempo Kyle wants, I’m locked in.”

Of course, the absence of Aiyuk and Pearsall doesn’t just affect the receivers—it reverberates across the offense. Quarterback Brock Purdy, entering his second full season as the starter, will spend crucial reps getting on the same page with less experienced targets. For Purdy, that’s both a challenge and an opportunity.

“You want all your guys healthy, no doubt,” Purdy said. “But this is a great time for us to build chemistry with the whole group. Come Week 1, you never know who’s going to be out there. So we treat every rep like it matters, because it does.”

Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak echoed that sentiment, noting that the 49ers have long prided themselves on depth and versatility.

“One of the things that makes this group special is how interchangeable everyone is,” Kubiak said. “We can line guys up in different spots. We’ve got receivers who block, who stretch the field, who win underneath. With Brandon and Ricky sidelined, it’s just a chance to see what the rest of that talent looks like with more volume.”

Still, the hope around the facility is that Aiyuk and Pearsall will return soon—and that when they do, they’ll slot seamlessly back into an offense teeming with weapons. Aiyuk, coming off a career-best 1,342-yard season, has evolved into one of the most precise route runners in the league. His ability to create separation on third down and in the red zone makes him indispensable. And Pearsall, while unproven at the NFL level, was drafted for his route polish and ability to contribute immediately.

“There’s no replacing what Brandon does,” Shanahan said. “And we really liked Ricky for a reason. But the silver lining is that we get a longer look at some other guys. And that always helps.”

The 49ers open camp with high expectations, and the early adversity could ultimately benefit a team built for January, not just August. With the league watching closely—especially amid the contract drama surrounding Aiyuk—San Francisco knows that every practice counts, every rep matters, and every player has a shot to rise.

For Aiyuk, the PUP designation might be as much about managing leverage as managing a soft tissue issue. The 49ers have until the regular season to work out an extension—or risk seeing their star wideout test free agency in 2026. But so far, both sides have kept the lines of communication open, and there’s optimism that a deal could materialize before Week 1.

For Pearsall, the short-term injury isn’t expected to impact his long-term role. Coaches remain high on his ability to play all three receiver spots, and he’s already impressed teammates with his intelligence and work ethic.

“He’s like a vet already,” said Jauan Jennings. “He asks the right questions, studies the right way. Once he’s back out there, he’s gonna be a problem.”

Until then, the 49ers roll forward—without two of their most intriguing pass-catchers, but with a wide-open window for new faces to emerge. As camp ramps up and the position battles intensify, the spotlight shines brighter on a receiver group eager to prove it can thrive no matter who’s missing.

It’s training camp in San Francisco. Every route, every rep, every receiver—it all matters.