The 49ers are getting healthier at just the right time - and not a moment too soon.
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall told reporters he’s planning to go full speed in practice this week and is optimistic about suiting up Saturday against the Seahawks. That’s a big development for a San Francisco offense that’s been missing his presence the past two weeks.
Pearsall’s movement during drills has looked sharp. He’s cutting cleanly, getting in and out of his breaks without any visible discomfort - all encouraging signs that he’s trending toward being available this weekend. And if he’s on the field, the Niners' passing attack gets a noticeable boost.
Let’s not forget what Pearsall did the last time he faced Seattle. Back in Week 1, he put up 108 yards, showing off the route-running and ball skills that made him such a reliable target for Brock Purdy.
In his last two games before the injury, he logged 96 and 85 receiving yards, respectively - and in each of those three games, he saw at least seven targets. That kind of volume speaks to the trust he’s built with Purdy.
Pearsall has become something of a safety valve for the young quarterback - a guy who can find soft spots in coverage and make himself available when plays break down.
His return also brings balance to the 49ers’ receiving corps. With Pearsall back in the fold, San Francisco can roll with their top trio of wideouts, keeping Kendrick Bourne, Skyy Moore, and Malik Turner in more situational roles rather than leaning on them for extended snaps.
That has ripple effects across the roster. It means the Niners won’t need to elevate another wide receiver just for depth, freeing up a game-day roster spot for a special teamer or an extra defender - a small but meaningful advantage in playoff football.
But the biggest storyline this week? That’s Fred Warner.
The All-Pro linebacker doesn’t look like a player ready to sit out. Warner addressed the media before Wednesday’s practice and, while he didn’t make any guarantees, his comments carried the tone of a player aiming to return.
“We’re taking it day by day,” Warner said. “I think they said last week they weren’t going to open my window, and then my window is now open. So yeah, we’re just taking it day by day.”
Kyle Shanahan made it clear Warner still has a few hurdles to clear before getting the green light, but Warner didn’t sound like a player rushing back recklessly. He emphasized that every step of his recovery has been in lockstep with doctors and trainers.
“Nothing up to this point has been done just out of, ‘Hey man, let’s just go out and do it,’” Warner said. “Everything is scientifically based.
Anytime you step out there on a football field, that’s what this game is - a violent game. But at the same time, I’m not going to go out there and put myself at an added risk if I’m not ready.”
That’s a measured response from a guy who’s built his career on discipline and preparation. Warner hasn’t hit the 100-day mark since the injury, but the fact that we’re even talking about a possible return this week is a testament to his work ethic and the medical team’s precision.
“I didn’t really think about the possibility of returning in season,” Warner admitted. “But the way things progressed and being able to have this opportunity to be back with my teammates and have a chance at helping them win this week - that’s my only goal going forward.”
If he’s cleared, it’s hard to imagine Warner not being out there. His leadership, instincts, and sideline-to-sideline range are irreplaceable. And in a playoff-type atmosphere, those qualities matter even more.
Meanwhile, the offensive line got a key boost as well. Left tackle Trent Williams was upgraded from limited to full participation in practice - the only change on the injury report from Tuesday to Wednesday, but a significant one. Shanahan said the team plans to “really embrace having him back this week,” and it’s easy to see why.
When Williams is healthy, this offense operates at a different level. He anchors the blind side, gives Purdy confidence in the pocket, and opens up the run game with his elite athleticism and technique. Getting him back at full strength could be the X-factor in a game that’s likely to be decided in the trenches.
With Pearsall trending toward playing, Warner making a strong push to return, and Williams back in full, the 49ers are starting to look whole again - and that’s bad news for the Seahawks.