While the San Francisco 49ers are dealing with nagging injury problems, one of their sidelined players looks to be close to a return.
Rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who was shot in the chest during an armed robbery attempt during the preseason, has returned to practice and his NFL debut could be imminent.
Although there is no definite word on when Pearsall will play, quarterback Brock Purdy said he has a specific ability that will help the offense once he gets on the field.
“When you have a guy like Ricky who can win man-to-man matchups, it opens up other guys,” Purdy said, via David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard.
Brock Purdy on his latest weapon in practice: “When you have a guy like Ricky (Pearsall) who can win man-to-man matchups, it opens up other guys.”
– David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) 17 October 2024
Pearsall was the No. 31 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida, and although he didn’t put up big-time stats and wasn’t one of the hottest prospects coming out of college, there are hopes he’ll eventually make the Niners rotation. Will be able to enter.
He has ample speed and has shown his grit and toughness since attempting an armed robbery.
He walked under his own power to a waiting ambulance and spent only one night in the hospital, and immediately, he was already thinking about his return to game action.
San Francisco has also been without star running back Christian McCaffrey, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw, among others, so any contribution from Pearsall would be welcomed.
The Niners hosted the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in a rematch of Week 7 of last season’s Super Bowl.
The Chiefs have injury problems of their own, with Rashi Rice out and Isiah Pacheco out of action.
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49ers insider provides timeline for Christian McCaffrey