Ricky Pearsall’s best chance to touch the ball early as a rookie is by doing this

We are about a month and a week or two away from the San Francisco 49ers taking the field for training camp. Brandon Aiyuk showing up will be what everybody keeps an eye on. If he’s not on the field, that’ll open the door for first-round wide receiver Ricky Pearsall to receive more reps.

ESPN highlighted how every rookie fared during OTAs and minicamp. Here’s what Nick Wagoner:

How he has fared so far: So far, Pearsall has been exactly as advertised. The Niners have used him at multiple receiver positions in the offense and as a punt returner, which is probably his best ticket to touching the ball early in his rookie year. The team wants Pearsall to be able to step in anywhere in case of injury, and he so far has proved plenty versatile, according to coach Kyle Shanahan. “We’re getting him a lot of reps get a lot of different routes, trying all the positions and we’ve been really impressed with how he’s started off,” Shanahan said. — Nick Wagoner

Part of Pearsall’s allure is excelling at multiple positions. He should be able to play X, Z, and F. That’ll allow Kyle Shanahan to move Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel around. It’ll be on Brock Purdy to recognize who has the best matchup, and with three capable receivers who can win at multiple levels, that should raise the ceiling of an offense that was borderline historic a year ago.

But I’m interested to see Pearsall as a returner. And not just as somebody who can field punts. I want to see a dynamic player. If he can show an ability to make people miss, that’ll only ensure Pearsall sees more playing time on offense.