49ers offense could get major lift from injured WR's return in Seattle

There were a slew of reasons the San Francisco 49ers struggled to get going on offense against a very good Seattle Seahawks defense. One of those reasons may come off the table when they visit Seattle in the divisional playoffs.

Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall missed the 49ers' regular season finale against the Seahawks and their wild card win over the Philadelphia Eagles. He's been dealing with a lingering knee issue that he sustained in Week 4 and has bothered him sporadically since his Week 11 return.

After missing the last two weeks, the wide receiver appears to be on track to play in Saturday's divisional playoff matchup with Seattle.

According to the Athletic's Vic Tafur, Pearsall told reporters ahead of Wednesday's practice that his balky knee feels okay and that he's optimistic about suiting up against the Seahawks.

When Pearsall has been on the field this year's he's been productive. In his first four games he had 20 catches for 327 yards. He scuffled a bit in the three games immediately following his return, but in his last two contests he hauled in 11 balls for 181 yards.

Most notably, Pearsall played a key role in the 49ers' win over the Seahawks in the season opener at Lumen Field. He hauled in four of his seven targets for 108 yards, including a 45-yard grab on the 49ers' game-winning drive.

The 49ers in Week 18 missed his ability to separate and get open against the Seahawks' secondary. If Pearsall returns it slides their depth chart into a better place for players like Jauan Jennings and Demarcus Robinson to be effective. If Pearsall doesn't play, it could be another long day for the 49ers' offense.

The official status report will be released after Thursday's practice.

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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers injury news: WR Ricky Pearsall optimistic about playoff return