- Ricky Pearsall, 49ers' 31st pick, has struggled with injuries.
- He missed training camp and recently returned in a noncontact jersey
- The 49ers hoped he’d back up Aiyuk and Samuel.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was discharged from the hospital on Sunday after being shot in the chest during an attempted robbery in central San Francisco the previous afternoon. Pearsall, 23, initially listed in serious but stable condition, saw his status improve to fair before being released from San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center.
Pearsall’s mother revealed via social media that the bullet exited through her son’s back and narrowly missed vital organs, expressing relief that he is “extremely lucky” to be alive.
The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. Saturday on Geary Boulevard near Union Square, where Pearsall was walking alone. The suspect, a 17-year-old male from Tracy, California, attempted to rob Pearsall at gunpoint. According to the San Francisco Fire Department, a 911 call reporting gunshots came in at 3:38 p.m. from the corner of Geary and Grant streets. Police responded promptly to the scene.
Earlier that day, Pearsall had been at an event center signing autographs before heading to Union Square. The attempted robbery led to a physical altercation between Pearsall and the suspect, resulting in both being injured. Both were transported to the hospital following the incident. San Francisco Police Chief William Scott confirmed that the suspect’s gunfire struck both Pearsall and himself during the struggle.
The condition of the alleged gunman has not been disclosed. Chief Scott noted that there is no indication the suspect targeted Pearsall specifically due to his status as a professional football player. The investigation is ongoing, with surveillance footage being reviewed. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins is expected to announce charges against the juvenile suspect by mid-week. Scott praised the swift response of the officers and vowed to pursue justice in the case.
Ricky Pearsall, drafted in the first round by the 49ers with the 31st pick in April, has faced challenges with injuries since joining the team. After dealing with hamstring and shoulder issues during training camp, he recently returned to practice wearing a noncontact blue jersey as he continues to recover from his shoulder injury.
Pearsall started his college career at Arizona State before transferring to Florida for his final two seasons. During his last season with the Gators, he recorded 65 receptions for 965 yards and four touchdowns, ending his college career with 159 catches for 2,420 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The 49ers had high hopes for Pearsall as a rookie backup to their star receivers, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel Sr. Despite his injury setbacks, the team envisioned him as a valuable contributor this season.
Following the shooting, Samuel posted on X expressing relief at Pearsall’s recovery, stating, “He’s good …Thank god.”
