When the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks in a crucial Week 18 game on Saturday night, they won't have wide receiver Ricky Pearsall.
Pearsall was among the team's inactives on Saturday evening after entering the weekend as questionable due to knee and ankle injuries.
What's strange is Pearsall had the same exact injuries and same practice participation last week, yet he was able to suit up.
So, what changed between then and now?
Why Ricky Pearsall is inactive for 49ers
There are two possible explanations for Pearsall's absence. Bear in mind, neither one of these have been confirmed by the team or beat writers.
One of them is Pearsall suffered some kind of setback during the week, which would be terrible news for his ability to be ready for the playoffs.
Another possible explanation is the 49ers are simply giving him the week off in order to make sure he's as healthy as possible for the playoffs.
Granted, the Week 18 contest against the Seahawks is very important, as it will determine the NFC West champion and No. 1 seed.
But it's far more important for the Niners to have Pearsall as close to 100% as possible for the postseason after he has been plagued by injury this season.
With Pearsall sidelined, the 49ers are going to need more out of guys like Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne and Demarcus Robinson.
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