It’s been a tough season for the San Francisco 49ers, with injuries piling up and recoveries taking longer than expected. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has been out for a while, but if he returns soon, it’ll be right on schedule based on typical recovery timelines.

Pearsall is set to return to practice roughly six weeks after suffering a PCL injury, which falls right in line with the typical recovery timeline for that type of injury. According to analyst David Lombardi, the 49ers had hoped he might return sooner. So while six weeks isn’t exactly ‘good news,’ he’s back, and that’s what matters right now.

It should be a welcome development, especially with Brock Purdy also nearing his own return.

Pearsall hasn’t played since Week 4, when he injured his right knee. Although the 49ers chose not to place him on injured reserve, his recovery has taken longer than expected. Still, his return comes at an ideal time, with the most important stretch of the season ahead.

“Hopefully the next two days go good and if they do, he’ll be back out there. He had a good weekend,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said.

Before the injury, Pearsall was starting to come into his own. In four games, he posted 20 catches for 327 yards, averaging 16.4 yards per reception. He built on his rookie year, when he finished with 31 receptions, 400 yards, and three touchdowns. His speed and downfield ability were becoming a real part of the offense, something backup QB Mac Jones missed in his absence.

Now, with Pearsall and Purdy both returning, the 49ers’ offense finally gets some of its firepower back. Shanahan has watched injury after injury derail his plans this year, so he’s understandably cautious about believing in good luck.

Kyle Shanahan cannot believe his good fortune

Every Kyle Shanahan press conference starts the same way: injuries.

It’s practically a ritual at this point. But for the first time all season, the 49ers’ head coach walked to the podium on Monday with nothing new to report. Two straight days without an injury. For a coach who’s spent the year watching half his roster cycle through the training room, that’s almost hard to process.

“I’m still not totally believing it. I’m going to wait until Wednesday to make sure nothing creeps up,” he said, talking about going to consecutive days without an injury.

For once, the injury list isn’t growing, it’s now about getting players back. The biggest name on that list, of course, is Brock Purdy.

According to Kyle Shanahan, Purdy’s return hinges on one thing: completing a full week of unrestricted practice. It’s been four weeks since he was cleared for limited work, but he still hasn’t participated in a session without restrictions.

The situation is trickier for Brandon Aiyuk. Shanahan confirmed that the team won’t open his practice window this week, meaning the wideout remains on the PUP list as he continues his long recovery from a torn ACL and MCL suffered last October. Aiyuk’s return could still happen this season, but it’s been more than a year now.

So yes, the offense is slowly inching back toward full strength, but the defense is still waiting. Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and Mykel Williams remain sidelined, and none are expected back soon.

The focus should be on getting Purdy, Pearsall, and Aiyuk back together as soon as possible.