Credit: AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File
Just 44 days after being shot in the chest in downtown San Francisco, 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall made his return to practice on Monday.
Team Rallies Behind His Return
Following the team’s Thursday night win over the Seattle Seahawks, the 49ers used their “mini bye” weekend to regroup. The energy was high when they returned to the field Monday afternoon for a bonus practice, especially with Pearsall back. He jogged out to the field with excitement, danced during stretching, and even joined the team huddle, encouraged by tight end George Kittle.
“It meant everything,” said Jacob Cowing, a fellow rookie wideout. “All the adversity that’s kind of been thrown at him in the past few months and just for him to overcome everything and for him to fight and to grind to get back into football shape … it was just a great feeling for everybody to see him put that helmet back on, put that jersey back on and for him to go out there and be part of the team.”
Last Friday, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan announced plans to open Pearsall’s 21-day practice window as he works his way off the reserve/non-football injury (NFI) list. By 1:30 p.m. PT on Monday, that plan became official, allowing Pearsall to participate in his first practice since August 29.
This is an important step as Pearsall aims to return to full action. The team has three weeks to activate him, and if they do, a roster move will be necessary. If not, Pearsall will stay on the NFI list for the rest of the season. Shanahan noted that Pearsall may need more time to fully ramp up, but the next few practices and the upcoming bye week will provide clarity.
Overcoming Injury and Adversity
Pearsall’s journey back is nothing short of remarkable. He was shot in the chest during a robbery attempt by a 17-year-old in San Francisco. The bullet exited his back, missing vital organs, which allowed him to recover quickly. 49ers general manager John Lynch called Pearsall’s recovery “truly miraculous.”
After the incident, the 49ers placed Pearsall on the NFI list on September 2, ensuring he had time to fully heal without rushing. He has been a constant presence at the facility, attending meetings and working out while preparing for his return.
“It was definitely a surreal feeling when news broke out about it,” rookie safety Malik Mustapha said Monday. “It all just hit us hard because that could have been any of us … definitely eye-opening, for sure. Thank God that he’s OK and now he’s able to play the game he loves.”
Pearsall, who was the 49ers’ 31st overall pick in the April draft, played five seasons of college football—three at Arizona State and two at Florida. Before the shooting, he faced other setbacks in training camp with a hamstring injury and a shoulder issue that limited his time on the field.
While his return to practice on Monday brought a lift to the team, his teammates believe the true boost will come when he’s fully back in action. For Cowing, watching Pearsall’s recovery has brought a fresh perspective on life.
“Life’s too short,” Cowing said. “You never know when your time’s done here on this planet. I think it was a big, huge eye-opener for me to just continue to reach out to family and friends. You never know when your life is done, so just cherish each and every moment.”
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This report used information from ESPN.
