The San Francisco 49ers continue getting good news on wide receiver Ricky Pearsall.
General manager John Lynch told reporters in a press conference on Tuesday the team expects the No. 31 overall pick to return this season after he suffered a gunshot wound to the chest Saturday in San Francisco.
In a stroke of incredible luck, Pearsall suffered no additional damage during the shooting. The bullet entered his chest and exited his back without damaging any bones or nerves or internal organs.
Pearsall is on the Non-Football Injury list which means he’ll be out at least four weeks, but he should be able to return to play in 2024 which is remarkable given the circumstances.
When Washington Commanders rookie running back Brian Robinson was shot twice in the leg before the 2022 season, he wound up returning in Week 5, but was out for six weeks.
Lynch also said Pearsall asked right away when he’d be able to get back on the field.
Pearsall certainly won’t be rushed back into action by the 49ers. They’ll want to ensure he’s completely healed and ready to play again once he does come back. Once he does, he’ll provide quality depth in their receiving corps with some upside as a punt returner as well in Year 1. He figures to be a major part of the 49ers’ plans in 2025 and beyond.
That he’ll be able to play at all this season is incredible, though. And his return will be a welcome sight.
