Niners wide receiver Ricky Pearsall tests his injured right knee on May 28 duringoffseason team activities at the Levi's Stadium practice field. (Santiago Mejia/S.F. Chronicle) Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall sprained the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee Sept. 28. More than 10 months later, after he'd returned to play in six-late season games, suffered multiple aggravations and had an offseason of rehabilitation- the injury still hadn't healed.On Saturday,San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch announced the 2024 first-round pick would undergo PCL reconstruction surgery that will end his 2026 season.Why did it take so long to reach that decision? Lynch said Pearsall's case was unusual. Most isolated PCL injuries heal without surgery. Pearsall's did not.That explanation makes sense to Dr. Prem Ramkumar, an orthopedic knee and hip surgeon who consults for the X Games and Long Beach State athletics. In fact, Ramkumar said surgery for an isolated PCL injury is so rare among professional athletes that there isn't enough data to confidently predict whether Pearsall will return to his pre-injury form in 2027.Ramkumar mentioned only one prominent professional athlete whose situation closely resembled Pearsall's: NBA center Steven Adams underwent surgery for an isolated PCL injury in November 2023, about 10 months after he was hurt."Isolated PCL injuries do not typically require surgery," said Ramkumar, who works at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center. "We usually operate when a patient has failed nonsurgical treatment for several months, if not years."Like the anterior cruciate ligament, the PCL helps stabilize the knee. Unlike with an ACL injury, however, reconstructing a damaged PCL often does not provide substantially more stability than allowing the ligament to scar and heal without surgery, Ramkumar said.Pearsall was sidelined for six games- or 47 days- after he was initially hurt last season in a Week 4 loss to the Jaguars. Pearsall was medically cleared by team doctors. He also received a second opinion before he returned to play."At some point, you have to test the knee," Ramkumar said. "You are bringing what you believe is a healed PCL back into competition to see whether it can do the job. He may have felt fine while running certain routes in a controlled environment. Then he encountered the unpredictability of a game, and the knee did not hold up."Backup quarterback Mac Jones' recovery was more typical. Jones suffered a similar PCL injury on Aug. 16, but he was able to make his first fill-in start on Sept. 14. He aggravated the injury on Sept. 21, but he still made eight consecutive starts, ranking second in the NFL in completion percentage, before returning to his No. 2 role when Brock Purdy recovered from a toe injury.Pearsall's return was far less successful. He never finished more than three consecutive games. He aggravated the injury in Week 15 and missed the following game. He aggravated it again in Week 17 and sat out the next two.His production also suffered. Pearsall had fewer than 15 receiving yards in four of the six games he played after returning. As an outside observer, Ramkumar said he didn't know whether the six late-season games in whichPearsall played could have complicated his recovery."I cannot definitively say whether his attempts to play made his injury worse," Ramkumar said.Pearsall then had several months of rest and rehabilitation during the offseason. So why did the injury still fail to heal?Ramkumar said doctors do not fully understand why isolated PCL injuries occasionally require surgery. One possibility, he said, involves "individual biology"- something about the structure of Pearsall's knee that made nonsurgical treatment less likely to succeed.Pearsall experienced swelling in the knee last month after participating in the first two training-camp practices. That setback prompted the decision, made in consultation with team doctors and independent surgeons, to operate.The lengthy rehabilitation also explains why Pearsall and the 49ers decided against surgery after the 2025 season. Had Pearsall undergone the procedure in January, he still might have missed most or all of the 2026 season. Lynch said Pearsall's recovery is expected to take six to 12 months. Ramkumar said he would not clear an athlete to return from PCL reconstruction for at least nine months, allowing the graft sufficient time to mature.Lynch said Saturday that Pearsall would have surgery in the next few weeks. The complexity of the procedure is another reason doctors exhaust nonsurgical options before operating. Ramkumar explained that the surgeon must drill near the back of the knee, close to the popliteal artery, a major blood vessel. Damage to the artery could put the patient's leg at risk."It is a very technically challenging operation with significant risks," Ramkumar said. "You need an excellent surgeon to perform it."SubscribeTheres more to San Francisco with the Chronicle. Subscribe today for just 25.This article originally published at Why Ricky Pearsall's rare PCL surgery was the 49ers' last resort: Significant risks'.

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Carson Hocevar has become one of NASCARs most polarizing young stars. Nearly every aggressive move sparks debate, fellow drivers have become increasingly vocal about his racing style, and fans seem split between those who love his fearlessness and those who think he goes too far.Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks believes that conversation misses the bigger picture.Following another headline-grabbing weekend for Hocevar at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Marks argued the Spire Motorsports driver represents something NASCAR has been lacking: a personality capable of making people care.Justin Marks believes NASCAR needs drivers like Carson HocevarAppearing on SPEED with Harvick and Buxton, Marks was asked about Hocevars growing reputation after the Brickyard 400, where the 22-year-old once again found himself at the center of controversy following his on-track feud with Corey Heim.Rather than criticizing Hocevar, Marks praised exactly what many of the drivers critics point to.We need big stars. What Carsons doing right now, being this big polarizing personality, is just so good for the sport, in my opinion.Its a notable stance considering Hocevar has become one of the most talked-about drivers in the Cup Series. Whether its aggressive racing, heated rivalries or animated reactions after climbing from the car, he rarely goes unnoticed.Marks comments suggest thats a positive rather than a problem.Instead of expecting every driver to fit the same mold, he believes NASCAR benefits from competitors who generate strong opinions and keep fans talking throughout the week, not just on race day.Hocevar continues to fuel conversation across NASCARMarks defense comes after another weekend in which Hocevar dominated headlines.Following contact with Corey Heim during the Brickyard 400, Hocevar flashed his middle finger toward Heim, adding another chapter to what has quickly become one of NASCARs newest rivalries.The incident drew criticism from some corners of the NASCAR community, but it also reinforced Hocevars growing reputation as a driver who races with emotion and isnt afraid to show it.That willingness to wear his emotions publicly has become a defining characteristic early in his Cup Series career.Hocevars personality has also made him one of the sports most recognizable young faces away from the racetrack, helping attract attention from fans who appreciate drivers willing to stand out in an era where polished public images often dominate professional sports.Whether fans cheer for him or root against him, Hocevar consistently gives them a reason to tune in.Thats exactly why Marks believes many of the drivers biggest critics may be overlooking the value he brings to NASCAR.Love him or hate him, Hocevar has become impossible to ignore, and from Marks perspective, thats exactly the point.

The Chicago Bears have locked down a key Caleb Williams protector.The Bears reached a new four-year, $116 million deal with offensive lineman Darnell Wright on Tuesday afternoon, according to the NFL Networks Ian Raport. Wright will receive $93 million guaranteed, too.The deal is now the richest in NFL history for a right tackle, surpassing the mark that Detroit Lions lineman Penei Sewell previously set with his four-year, $112 million deal.Only two other offensive lineman throughout the league are earning more than Wright now, too. Tampa Bay Buccaneers lineman Tristan Wirfs leads the way on that front. The former Iowa star signed a five-year, $140.6 million extension in 2024. New York Giants lineman Andrew Thomas is on a $117.5 million deal, too.The Bears first selected Wright with the No. 10 overall pick out of Tennessee in 2023. Hes been a key piece to their offensive line ever since, and he earned second-team All-Pro honors last season.This post will be updated with more information shortly.

The Atlanta Falcons suffered a devastating blow during Tuesdays training camp practice as edge rusher James Pearce Jr. reportedly suffered a torn ACL, an injury that is expected to end his 2026 season pending the results of an MRI. The injury immediately cast a shadow over Atlantas training camp, with teammates visibly shaken as Pearce went down and required assistance off the field. Multiple reports indicated the team feared the worst shortly after the incident.#Falcons promising edge Jalon Walker is feared to have torn his ACL, per me and @wyche89, a potential brutal injury for this defense.Walker will have an MRI to confirm the injury from practice today, which drew an emotional reaction from his team. pic.twitter.com/Io6ldOVVeu Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 4, 2026Pearce entered training camp as one of the Falcons most important defensive players after a promising rookie campaign. The former first-round draft pick recorded 10.5 sacks during the 2025 season, quickly establishing himself as one of the leagues most promising young pass rushers. His combination of elite athleticism, explosive first-step quickness, and ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks made him a cornerstone of Atlantas defensive rebuild.Losing a player of Pearces caliber is difficult for any defense, but the timing makes the setback even more painful. Training camp is designed to build chemistry, develop continuity, and prepare players for the regular season. Instead, the Falcons must now quickly adjust their defensive plans without one of their premier playmakers.Pearces absence will force Atlanta to lean more heavily on its remaining edge defenders while also creating opportunities for younger players to earn expanded roles throughout the preseason. Replacing double-digit sack production is rarely accomplished by a single player, meaning the Falcons will likely need a collective effort from their defensive front to compensate for the loss.The injury also raises questions about whether Atlanta will explore the veteran free-agent market before the regular season begins. Teams with playoff aspirations often look to reinforce premium positions after losing a star pass rusher, and edge defender is among the most valuable positions in todays NFL. Depending on the severity confirmed by medical evaluations, the Falcons could be active in searching for outside help over the coming weeks.The Rams, of course, opted to trade out of the first round in 2025; taking the Falcons 2026 first rounder instead. The Rams then used that 2026 first round pick, the 13th overall selection, on quarterback Ty Simpson out of Alabama.Still, there is no minimizing the immediate impact. Atlanta entered training camp hoping Pearce would take another leap after his impressive rookie season. Instead, the Falcons now face the difficult challenge of replacing one of the NFLs emerging edge rushers as they prepare for the 2026 campaign.

The latest NFL quarterback tiers released by The Athletic have generated plenty of debate across the football world, and radio host Colin Cowherd wasted little time sharing the one ranking he believes is off.While Cowherd said he agreed with most of the list compiled from the opinions of NFL executives, coaches, and evaluators, he strongly disagreed with the placement of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson ahead of Chicago Bears star Caleb Williams within Tier 2.MORE: Former NFL first-round pick ready to break outCowherd wants Williams ranked higherDuring his show, Cowherd explained why he believes the two quarterbacks should be flipped.NFL execs have Lamar Jackson as the 1st QB in Tier 2 and Caleb Williams in the middle of Tier 2. Id flip them. This sport is not about history.Cowherds argument centers on current performance rather than past accomplishments. While Jackson has built an impressive rsum over the course of his career, Cowherd believes recent play should carry more weight when evaluating quarterbacks heading into a new season.MORE: Ravens, Zay Flowers agree to 4-year contract extension with large amount of guaranteed moneyDebate will continueSep 29, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesJackson remains one of the NFLs most accomplished quarterbacks and has consistently been among the leagues elite throughout his career. At the same time, Williams is coming off an outstanding season that significantly raised expectations for what he can become.Williams showed the ability to lead his team in crucial moments. He repeatedly delivered when Chicago needed late-game drives and clutch plays.MORE: Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni speaks out about replacing A.J. BrownWhether fans agree with Cowherd or not, his comments are certain to spark plenty of discussion before the 2026 season kicks off.Quarterback rankings are always subjective, and different analysts value different qualities. Some prioritize a players complete body of work, while others focus more heavily on recent performance and future projection. Cowherd clearly falls into the latter category, believing Williams has already done enough to deserve a higher spot than Jackson entering the new seasoneven if many around the league still disagree.Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter

JaKobi Lanes impressive start to Baltimore Ravens training camp has given Dez Bryant another opportunity to stand behind one of his boldest evaluations from the 2026 NFL draft. After the Ravens shared another highlight from Lanes productive camp, Bryant offered an emphatic assessment of the third-round pick.If I tell you a player is legit, hes legit, Bryant wrote on X. And yes, I truly believe I scout players better than a lot of people! First-round talent!Bryants confidence in Lane predates the Ravens selecting the USC receiver with the No. 80 overall pick. The former All-Pro receiver ranked Lane as the No. 3 wideout in the 2026 class, behind only Jordyn Tyson and Carnell Tate. Bryant placed Lane two spots ahead of USC teammate Makai Lemon, whom the Philadelphia Eagles selected in the first round. Lane has begun validating that evaluation during his first NFL training camp. At 6-foot-4 and 208 pounds, he offers a combination of size and catch radius that Baltimore lacked in its receiver room. His 40-inch vertical jump, 10-inch hands and 4.47-second speed give offensive coordinator Declan Doyle a potential boundary and red-zone target to complement Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.If I tell you a player is legit..hes legit and yes I truly believe I scout players better than a lot of people! First round talent! https://t.co/kouhxhgxzA Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) August 4, 2026General manager Eric DeCosta described Lane as a ball of clay with a lot of upside after drafting him. DeCosta also acknowledged that endorsements from former Ravens and other established NFL players carried weight during the evaluation process. Steve Smith Sr. and Torrey Smith joined Bryant in expressing support for Lane.Baltimore does not need Lane to become a finished product immediately, but his early performance could accelerate his path toward a meaningful offensive role. The Ravens scored touchdowns on only 47.5% of their red-zone possessions last season, and Lane caught 11 of his 16 touchdowns over his final two college seasons inside the red zone. Training-camp highlights do not guarantee regular-season success, but Lane has quickly demonstrated why Bryant viewed him as a premium prospect. If the rookie continues making difficult catches and expanding his role, Baltimores third-round selection could eventually resemble the first-round talent Bryant believed he was all along.This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Dez Bryant doubles down on bold JaKobi Lane draft evaluation

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Who are FOX Sports' Joel Klatt's top 10 college football players ahead of the 2026 season?

Atlanta could be down two starting edge rushers for at least part of the 2026 season