Lynch states Pearsall ‘absolutely’ will play in 2024 after shooting originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Despite wanting to play against the New York Jets on Monday, Ricky Pearsall won’t suit up for the 49ers‘ season opener at Levi’s Stadium.
San Francisco placed the rookie wide receiver on the reserve/non-football injury list Monday after he was shot during an attempted armed robbery in San Francisco last weekend, and Pearsall will miss at least the first four games of the 2024 NFL season.
But will the eager-to-play receiver ever step foot on the field during his rookie campaign?
“Absolutely,” 49ers general manager John Lynch said Friday morning on KNBR’s “Murph & Markus.” “He’s going to play this year. We will give him the time, when it’s right for him physically, mentally and emotionally. But I can tell you he’s doing really well.”
Not only will Pearsall eventually make his NFL debut this season, but Lynch anticipates the 23-year-old will make a real impact on the already-stacked 49ers’ offense.
San Francisco selected Pearsall with the No. 31 overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite his limited practice time due to hamstring and shoulder issues, Lynch and the 49ers have seen enough from Pearsall to feel good about his future.
“When we drafted Ricky, we did it for the long term,” Lynch told reporters Tuesday. “He’s going to be a fantastic player here. He’s eager.”
Pearsall could be eligible to make his NFL debut as early as the team’s Oct. 6 game in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium.
San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said the plan is for Pearsall to take it easy for now before the 49ers consider his rehab options and a possible return timeline to the field.
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