Last week against the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall made his NFL debut after suffering a traumatic injury in August. Let’s revisit what happened to Pearsall and break down everything you need to know about the 49ers rookie.
Ricky Pearsall’s Shocking Preseason Injury
In late August, Pearsall was shot during an attempted robbery at Union Square in San Francisco. A 17-year-old attempted to steal Pearsall’s Rolex watch, and he was shot in the chest during the scuffle.
Officers stated that Pearsall was targeted because of his Rolex rather than his status as an NFL player.
Pearsall fought back and was shot in the chest, but the bullet exited his back without hitting any vital organs. The robber also got shot, taking a bullet from his own gun during the struggle.
Ricky Pearsall and his family meet the San Francisco policewoman who helped save his life after being shot. pic.twitter.com/zXma8DXOC0
— ESPN (@espn) October 27, 2024
Miraculously, just one day after the shooting, Pearsall was released from the hospital and appeared at the 49ers’ facility in an incredible display of resilience.
The rookie wide receiver started the season on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, meaning he had to miss the first four games of the campaign.
Pearsall finally made his NFL debut last week against the Kansas City Chiefs, catching three passes (on five targets) for 21 yards.
Ricky Pearsall coming out for his first time in uniform pic.twitter.com/RPliZckKnk
— Tracy Sandler (@TracyFGSN) October 20, 2024
The fact that he’s back on the field less than two months after being shot in the chest is a miracle.
When Was Pearsall Drafted By the 49ers?
In the 2024 NFL Draft, the 49ers selected Pearsall with the No. 31 overall pick.
He was the sixth wide receiver drafted in the first round, and he joined a San Francisco team that is a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Pearsall turned heads during his final season with the Florida Gators, catching 65 passes for 965 yards and four touchdowns. He finished his collegiate career with 102 receptions for 1,547 yards and 10 touchdowns.
At the NFL Combine, Pearsall had a really impressive showing that highlighted his athleticism and significantly boosted his draft stock. He ran an impressive 4.41-second 40-yard dash, posted a 42-inch vertical jump, and did 17 reps on the bench press.
The pick was shocking given San Francisco’s depth at the position. However, Pearsall is expected to play a bigger role going forward due to injuries to the 49ers’ wide receivers.
Looking at the 49ers’ WR Depth Chart
Entering the season, Pearsall was behind some really talented wide receivers on the 49ers’ depth chart. After all, San Francisco has a pair of star wideouts in Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel Sr.
Initially, many wondered if Pearsall was selected as a potential Aiyuk replacement since his contract was set to expire. However, the 49ers ultimately signed Aiyuk to a four-year, $120 million extension after his career year in 2023, when he totaled 1,342 receiving yards, seven touchdowns, and nearly 18 yards per reception.
Meanwhile, Samuel is also coming off a strong 2023 campaign that saw him score 12 total touchdowns (seven receiving and five rushing).
Unfortunately, Aiyuk suffered a season-ending injury last week, tearing his ACL and MCL. That means Pearsall is set to see increased snaps and targets going forward.
The 49ers also have a talented WR3 in Jauan Jennings, whom they clearly value, as evidenced by the two-year, $15.4 million extension that 49ers GM John Lynch gave him back in May. However, Jennings is also sidelined for the second week in a row due to a hip injury.
With Aiyuk and Jennings out, and Samuel likely limited due to a wrist injury and pneumonia that hospitalized him earlier in the week, Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football could be Pearsall’s coming-out party.
Chris Conley, Jacob Cowing, and Ronnie Bell round out the remainder of San Francisco’s WR depth chart. The 49ers also have star tight end George Kittle, who is a top option in the passing attack.