Ricky Pearsall shooting injury timeline: From ambulance to 49ers’ leading receiver

The full timeline for Ricky Pearsall’s recovery from his shooting injury to taking the field for the 49ers.

Over the past two weeks, the national broadcasts for FOX and NBC have both leaned heavily into the return of San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall from his shooting injury this offseason. On Sunday night, they even broadcast the footage of Pearsall being loaded into the ambulance while pressure was applied to the wound by first responders.

Ricky Pearsall drafted by the San Francisco 49ers

During the 2024 NFL Draft, Pearsall was selected at pick number 31 by the San Francisco 49ers. Pearsall was part of a group of 10 receivers picked in the first 37 selections and the first of four consecutive wideouts selected from picks 31 to 34. He spent time with the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Florida Gators as a collegiate receiver. Rookie expectations were tempered in a crowded offense featuring playmakers at key spots.

Where was Ricky Pearsall shot? Why was Pearsall shot?

On August 31st, Pearsall was out in San Francisco looking to buy some luggage for road trips and on his way to a signing event. He was robbed at gunpoint over his Rolex watch and shot in the chest in a struggle over the gun. The incident took place in the middle of the day near Union Square, a popular commercial zone in the city. The suspect was taken into custody immediately while Pearsall was loaded into an ambulance.

Ricky Pearsell released from the hospital following shooting

Pearsall spent one night in the hospital but was released the following day on September 1st. It’s a remarkably fast turnaround time for a man shot through the chest. He was back at the team facility the next day rehabbing, though not on the field. At the time, general manager John Lynch said Pearsall would absolutely be back during the 2024 season.

Ricky Pearsall starts season on Reserve/Non-Football Injury list

NFL teams have two lists for players who are too injured to be on the field. Injured reserve is for players injured on the field or at team facilities. the Non-Football Injury list is for players who are injured away from team facilities. The 49ers used this designation for Pearsall on September 2nd, forcing him to miss at least the team’s first four games of the season and open up a roster spot for a replacement player. Per head coach Kyle Shanahan, it had just as much to do with the mental hurdles than the physical ones.

When did Ricky Pearsall return to the 49ers’ lineup?

The 49ers opened Pearsall’s ramp-up window to return in early October. He was really close to returning the week of October 2nd, but San Francisco kept him inactive for one more week.

How has Ricky Pearsall impacted the 49ers offense since returning for his gunshot?

Quarterback Brock Purdy saw a role for Pearsall as he was returning to the lineup, even with Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk leading the receiver room and Jauan Jennings experiencing an early season breakout. With Jenning injured heading into Week 7, Pearsall’s role was set to increase anyway. Then Samuel only played a few snaps after coming down with pneumonia and Aiyuk left the game with a season-ending injury. Suddenly, Pearsall was the top wideout and he saw an increased role in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys.

Ricky Pearsall stats

Pearsall played 76% of the team’s snaps in his season debut in Week 7 thanks to the injuries around the wide receiver room. They surely wanted to ease him in more than that and he returned to a 59% snap share in Week 8.

He’s caught seven passes on nine targets in those two games for 59 yards, an average of 8.43 yards per catch. In his second NFL game, he also took an end around for 39 yards on the ground.

What happened to Ricky Pearsall’s shooter?

Pearsall was shot during a struggle with a 17-year-old high school senior. As they have not decided to charge his as a juvenile or an adult, details about his status has been quiet. The assailant was also shot in the arm during the struggle for the firearm. He was charged with attempted murder, assault with a semiautomatic weapon and attempted second-degree robbery along with several gun charges.

Who saved Ricky Pearsall’s life?

The first responders on the scene have recently opened up about the incident, sharing their perspective with ESPN this weekend. SFPD Sgt. Joelle Harrell was the first person on the scene and immediately treated the wound.

“When he stood up, I saw his wound on his chest,” she said in a recent television interview. “And I was like, ‘Oh no.’ So I took my strong hand, applied it over the hole to create a suction. And then I took my other hand to apply direct pressure to his head. He goes, ‘Am I going to die from this?’ I said, ‘Look at me. I know you don’t know me, but I need you to trust me, it’s not your time.”

Harrell was joined by ER surgeon Dr. Judy Kornblith in an on-field ceremony prior to the 49ers’ season opener against the New York Jets. Kornblith operated on Pearsall when he was brought to the hospital.

What is Ricky Pearsall’s prognosis?

All indications are that Pearsall won’t have any long-term problems from the injury. Pearsall’s mother said the bullet missed all of his vital organs.

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