San Francisco 49ers rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall is set to make his NFL debut against the Kansas City Chiefs 50 days after being shot in the chest. Pearsall, who was shot during a robbery attempt in San Francisco, has recovered and returned to practice this week. Coach Kyle Shanahan has been pleased with Pearsall’s progress and is confident in his ability to play against the defending champion Chiefs at home. Despite missing most of training camp due to hamstring and shoulder injuries, Pearsall is now healthy and ready to contribute to the team.
Shanahan expressed his excitement at Pearsall’s return to practice, stating that the team is excited to have him back on the field. Pearsall will likely play a key role in the game against Kansas City, especially with No. 3 receiver Jauan Jennings sidelined due to a hip injury. Shanahan highlighted Pearsall’s versatility, mentioning that he has roles on special teams and as a receiver. The team is hopeful that Pearsall’s return will provide an emotional lift and boost their performance against the Chiefs.
In addition to Pearsall, running back Jordan Mason and receiver Deebo Samuel also made it through the week with no setbacks and are expected to play on Sunday. However, the 49ers will be making another change at kicker, as fill-in Matthew Wright is set to go on injured reserve after sustaining a shoulder and back injury during kickoff coverage last week. Wright was brought in to replace the injured Jake Moody, who is expected to miss two more games due to a sprained ankle. Anders Carlson has been signed to the practice squad and will be elevated for the game against the Chiefs.
The team is looking forward to having Pearsall back on the field, with Shanahan noting that his presence has been uplifting for the players. Pearsall’s resilience and determination to overcome his injury and return to practice have been inspiring to his teammates, who are eager to see him in action on Sunday. Shanahan praised Pearsall’s performance in practice this week, stating that he looked great and was comfortable on the field. The decision to activate Pearsall was made after seeing his progress throughout the week, with the team confident in his ability to contribute to the game.
Overall, the 49ers are preparing for a challenging matchup against the Chiefs, but the return of Pearsall and the health of key players like Mason and Samuel provide a boost to the team’s morale. Despite the setbacks with injuries to their kickers, the team remains focused on delivering a strong performance on Sunday. Pearsall’s journey from being shot in the chest to making his NFL debut is a testament to his resilience and determination, and his teammates are excited to have him back on the field. The game against the Chiefs will be a test for the 49ers, but they are determined to put up a competitive fight and come out with a victory.