The San Francisco 49ers expect rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall to make a full recovery following a shooting incident during an attempted robbery last weekend. General manager John Lynch expressed optimism about Pearsall’s health and future with the team.
Pearsall sustained a chest wound and was hospitalized overnight after the shooting in central San Francisco on Saturday. Fortunately, he was released from the hospital on Sunday and returned to the team facility the very next day.
Due to the shooting and a pre-existing shoulder injury that had hampered him throughout the summer, the 49ers placed Pearsall on the non-football injury list. This decision will keep him sidelined for a minimum of four weeks, allowing him ample time to heal.
“Ultimately, we decided that the best thing for Ricky was to have a little bit of time,” Lynch stated on Tuesday. “He’s going to need that time physically, emotionally, and mentally. When we drafted Ricky, we did it for the long term. He is going to be a fantastic player here.” Pearsall’s disappointment was palpable, but he understood the necessity of the decision.
Local law enforcement responded quickly, providing emergency medical assistance and apprehending the suspect. Eyewitness footage captured Pearsall being transported to an ambulance with a significant chest injury.
Lynch expressed gratitude toward the San Francisco police, particularly Sgt. Joelle Harrell, who was first on the scene and rendered immediate care. He also commended the medical team at San Francisco General Hospital and the 49ers’ support staff for their collective efforts during this critical situation.
Lynch reported that there was no damage to Pearsall’s organs, nerves, or ribs, describing the injury as a “through and through.” “Multiple people down there said this is about as good an outcome as you could have in this situation,” he noted.
The news of Pearsall’s shooting was alarming for the team. Lynch recalled his initial reaction: “The earliest calls that I received were extremely scary: ‘We believe Ricky’s been shot in the chest.’ That outcome’s not usually a good one.” He expressed relief that the situation turned out positively.
Pearsall’s teammates were deeply affected by the incident, describing it as a sobering moment. Receiver Jauan Jennings shared his feelings, stating, “I didn’t want to do anything. I just was hoping Rick was all right. Just to keep hearing the good news made my day a lot better.”
Trent Williams, a key offensive lineman for the 49ers, mentioned that Pearsall’s situation motivated him to finalize a deal to return to the team. “In my mind, I’m like, ‘Man, I just want to get back, get around the team,'” he said.
Pearsall managed to connect with his teammates via FaceTime during a team gathering on Saturday night and later reunited with them at the facility on Monday. “He’s in high spirits,” offensive lineman Aaron Banks remarked. “You can tell something like that will shake you up, but it was great to see him.”
Drafted in the first round with the 31st overall pick in April, Pearsall has faced challenges with injuries since joining the 49ers. He missed training camp due to hamstring and shoulder issues but returned to practice last week wearing a non-contact blue jersey.
Pearsall’s college career began at Arizona State before he transferred to Florida for his final two seasons. He recorded impressive statistics, including 65 catches for 965 yards and four touchdowns last season, culminating in a total of 159 receptions for 2,420 yards and 14 touchdowns throughout his college tenure.
