49ers' Ricky Pearsall to Miss at Least Four Games After Being Shot in Attempted Robbery

The San Francisco 49ers have placed rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall on the reserve/non-football injury list after he was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery over the weekend. This unfortunate event means that Pearsall, 23, will miss at least the first four games of the 2024 NFL season. The team's season opener is set against the New York Jets on September 9, under Monday Night Football.

The incident took place in the Union Square area of San Francisco around 3:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, when a 17-year-old suspect targeted Pearsall. An altercation ensued, leading to both individuals sustaining injuries. Both were transported to the hospital for treatment, with the police recovering the suspect’s gun and confirming no other weapons were involved. A potential motive for the shooting is yet to be disclosed, though San Francisco Police Chief William Scott noted that Pearsall was not targeted due to his football career.

Pearsall was released from the hospital on Sunday after being treated for his wounds. The bullet had entered through his chest and exited out his back without hitting vital organs, according to his mother, Erin. The 49ers expressed gratitude towards the emergency services and medical staff who treated Pearsall.

Pearsall, selected 31st in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, played collegiate football for Arizona State and Florida, accumulating 965 receiving yards and six touchdowns in his final NCAA season. There was already speculation he might miss the opener due to a shoulder injury from training camp.

In response to Pearsall’s injury, the 49ers signed offensive tackle Brandon Parker to the active roster. Parker had spent training camp and the preseason with the team but was released during final roster cuts. This move strengthens the 49ers’ lineup, especially with other positional concerns such as Brandon Aiyuk's recent contract resolution and Jauan Jennings’ oblique injury.

Pearsall's absence required roster adjustments since the team typically fields five receivers on game day. The roster changes also included ensuring backup and special teams roles with players like Chris Conley, Jacob Cowing, and Ronnie Bell, crucial for maintaining overall team performance.

Given these circumstances, if Pearsall is reactivated later, he would count toward one of the team’s designated returns from injured lists, making each roster move significant for the team's strategy moving forward.

Earlier, SSP wrote that Tammy Abraham joined AC Milan on loan.