49ers GM delivers major Ricky Pearsall update as rookie WR begins recovery from bullet wound
Ricky Pearsall was recently shot at Union Square in San Francisco during an attempted robbery. The 49ers wide receiver was involved in a physical altercation with the mugger, and he was later hospitalized.
Pearsall was shot in the chest, but his condition is stable. The 49ers drafted him with the 31st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and the 23-year-old wideout was expected to be a contributor in his rookie season.
49ers general manager John Lynch recently confirmed that Pearsall was trying to buy luggage for the team's upcoming road trip at the time of the incident. As per 49ers insider Matt Barrows, Lynch said the bullet didn't even strike Pearsall's rib, and the wide receiver is expected to play this season. This is great news for everyone involved as the situation could have turned out to be much worse.
After he was shot, Ricky Pearsall's mother posted an update on her son and thanked God for 'protecting' the 49ers rookie. Hopefully, Pearsall will be back on the field soon.
Ricky Pearsall and 49ers season preview
With Brandon Aiyuk's future with the franchise uncertain at the start of the offseason, the 49ers drafted Ricky Pearsall in the first round of this year's draft. With less than a week left for the team's season opener against the New York Jets, the 49ers have agreed terms with both Aiyuk and Trent Williams for new contract extensions.
Aiyuk's extension allows more time for Pearsall in his recovery, and the team would be pleased to wait for the rookie to get fully healthy. Since all of their key players will play for them this year, the 49ers will once again be a Super Bowl contender.
There is no timeline yet for Ricky Pearsall's return, but whenever he gets back on the field, head coach Kyle Shanahan will get the best out of him. During his five-year college career, Pearsall had 159 receptions for 2,420 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 15.2 yards per reception.
The 49ers wide receiver depth chart will look like this in Pearsall's absence:
- WR1: Brandon Aiyuk
- WR2: Deebo Samuel
- WR3: Jauan Jennings
- WR4: Chris Conley
- WR5: Jacob Cowing
San Francisco still has one of the best offenses in the league, and they will be in a great position to finally win a Super Bowl this upcoming season.