49ers Rookie Ricky Pearsall Set To Make Debut Weeks After Being shot

The San Francisco 49ers selected former Arizona State and Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft for one reason. They wanted to add to a wide receiver room with a sure-handed pass-catcher who displayed a ton of talent during his college career.

Things did not start out well after Pearsall was made the 31st pick in the draft. That included the 6-foot-3 receiver dealing with a shoulder injury during the offseason program.

Unfortunately, things took a more serious turn during the summer. Pearsall was shot in the chest on August 31 while shopping in San Francisco’s Union Square. It was a robbery gone wrong, with Pearsall fighting off the suspect. He was immediately taken to a local hospital and initially listed in serious condition.

Amazingly, Pearsall was released from the hospital one day later without having to undergo surgery. The bullet wound was through-and-through.

Fast forward roughly six weeks, and Pearsall is likely set to make his NFL debut Sunday against the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

"Absolutely there's a chance (that he plays Sunday). I think it's trending in a good direction. To Ricky's credit, after a horrific situation, he responded extremely well physically and attacked the work to get himself back. Monday we brought him back and he had been waiting for that moment for a long time." 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Friday, via KNBR.

NFL insider Jonathan Jones of CBS followed that up by reporting that there is a “strong expectation” Pearsall will make his debut against the Chiefs.

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It’s pretty amazing stuff. Pearsall has worked his tail off to get back into playing shape after such a traumatic event. Immediately after being shot, Pearsall was placed on the non-football injury list. He was a full participant in practice on Thursday, which is a good indicator regarding the receiver’s availability for Week 7.

Where Ricky Pearsall Fits In With The San Francisco 49ers

Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel are the two obvious stars of the 49ers’ wide receiver room. The underrated Jauan Jennings continues to step up from the slot.

Though, Jennings has missed each of the past two practices with a hip injury he suffered last week against the Seattle Seahawks. It’s not yet known whether he’ll be able to suit up on Sunday. It seems unlikely given his practice status late in the week. That could leave an opening for Pearsall to get some run in a rematch of last season’s Super Bowl.

Fellow rookie Jacob Cowing joins Ronnie Bell and veteran Chris Conley in also vying for playing time at wide receiver in San Francisco.

The 49ers were incredibly high on Pearsall after making him a first-round pick back in April. Nothing has changed on this front since.

“Obviously, we drafted him in the first round and he’s got a lot of potential,” 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy told reporters earlier in the week. “For him to get in and actually be a part of our offense, not just a young guy that’s trying to learn his way but to actually make an impact early on, for me, I love it.”

Other San Francisco 49ers Injury News

• The 49ers are expected to open the 21-day practice window for running back Christian McCaffrey after their Week 9 bye. The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year is currently on injured reserve with an Achilles issue. He has not played in a single game this season.
• Lynch indicated on Friday that it’s a strong likelihood recently-signed kicker Anders Carlsen will be activated from the practice squad and see action on Sunday. Starting kicker Jake Moody is currently sidelined with an ankle injury. San Francisco signed Matthew Wright to replace him over the short-term. However, the veteran suffered a shoulder injury in his debut with the team last week.
• Rookie safety Malik Mustapha suffered a sprained ankle in his breakout game against the Seahawks last week. He was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Fellow safety Talanoa Hufanga is currently on injured reserve, leaving this unit short-handed. It led to the 49ers signing veteran safety Adrian Amos to the practice squad this week. He could be activated for Sunday’s game.