"The 49ers' plan at wide receiver this season was draped in maroon and gold. The Niners were supposed to ride into this postseason on the backs of two Arizona State products, a Tempe two-step atop the wide receiver depth chart designed to torment defensive coordinators from Seattle to Philadelphia. Brandon Aiyuk (Arizona State 2018-19) was the established star, the alpha, the $30-million man. Ricky Pearsall (2019-21 before transferring to Florida) was the first-round heir apparent, the route-running savant. Together, they were the Sun Devil pincer."
"The guy hasn't snapped a chinstrap since Week 7 of the 2024 season, when his knee decided to call it a career in San Francisco a few years early. Since that catastrophe, Aiyuk has been the Invisible Man of Santa Clara. He hasn't been seen at the facility in months. Oh, he's around. He's been spotted in the Bay Area, living his life, presumably enjoying the microclimates and the ability to put the pedal to the metal on Tasman Drive."
The 49ers built their wide receiver strategy around Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall, both Arizona State products expected to lead the unit. Both receivers are unlikely to play in back-to-back critical games, including last week's do-or-die against Seattle and the upcoming playoff clash with the Eagles, leaving a significant void. Brandon Aiyuk suffered a knee injury in Week 7 of the 2024 season, has not been at the facility for months, will be released on March 10, and has shifted to a social media presence. Concerns also surround Ricky Pearsall as the new No. 1 receiver.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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