The San Francisco 49ers placed rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall on the reserve/non-football injury (NFI) list following a shooting incident in San Francisco. This designation sidelines Pearsall for at least the first four games of the 2024 NFL season. The incident occurred on Saturday, September 2nd, just days before the 49ers’ season opener.
Pearsall, a third-round draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery near Union Square in San Francisco. According to the San Francisco Police Department, a 17-year-old male from Tracy, California, attempted to rob Pearsall, leading to a struggle and an exchange of gunfire. Both Pearsall and the suspect were injured in the shooting.
Following the shooting, Pearsall was transported to San Francisco General Hospital where he was initially listed in stable condition. His condition was upgraded to fair the following day, and he was released from the hospital less than 24 hours after the incident. Pearsall’s mother shared on social media that the bullet exited his back without damaging any vital organs. A source confirmed to ESPN that Pearsall did not require surgery.
The 49ers responded to the situation by placing Pearsall on the NFI list, ensuring he can focus on his recovery. To fill the roster vacancy, the team signed offensive tackle Brandon Parker to a one-year contract. Parker provides depth to the offensive line while the 49ers continue to negotiate a contract adjustment with left tackle Trent Williams.
Prior to the shooting, Pearsall had been working his way back from shoulder and hamstring injuries sustained during training camp. He had recently returned to practice with a non-contact designation. This unfortunate incident further complicates the start of Pearsall’s NFL career.
The San Francisco Police Chief, William Scott, stated that the 17-year-old suspect was apprehended immediately after the shooting. Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect acted alone, and there is no indication that Pearsall was targeted because of his status as an NFL player. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins indicated that a charging decision regarding the juvenile suspect would be made in the following days.
The 49ers are scheduled to open their season at home against the New York Jets on September 9th. Pearsall’s absence due to injury and his placement on the NFI list will undoubtedly impact the team’s receiving corps in the early weeks of the season. The team will rely on other receivers to step up in his absence.
