San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is set to make his NFL debut this Sunday, just two months after surviving a shooting during an attempted robbery.
Pearsall was shot in the chest in San Francisco’s Union Square on August 31, just nine days before the start of the 49ers’ season. A 17-year-old suspect attempted to rob him, leading to charges of attempted murder, assault with a semiautomatic weapon, and attempted second-degree robbery. Pearsall was taken to San Francisco General Hospital but was discharged within 24 hours since he did not require surgery; the bullet passed through his chest and exited through his back, narrowly missing vital organs.
Following the incident, the 49ers placed Pearsall on injured reserve, sidelining him for the first four games of the season.
Teammates and coaches are eager to welcome Pearsall back. Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed excitement about Pearsall’s return, stating, “The guys are pumped. He’s been around the team for a while now and has been practicing all week. It’s great to see him back out there, and everyone is really happy for him.”
Shanahan assured that Pearsall will not have any limitations in his first game, saying, “He’s got roles on special teams and as a receiver, and we’ll see how the game unfolds. He’s healthy and ready to go.”
Pearsall was drafted 31st overall in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The 49ers will enter Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs as two-point home favorites.
