San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said last week that Ricky Pearsall probably won’t make his NFL debut Sunday against the Chiefs, but the rookie wide receiver’s chances of playing might have improved since he made that statement.
Shanahan did say that a firm decision wouldn’t be made until Pearsall began practicing. And the first-round pick has made a positive impression in his first three practices this week, his first since he was shot in the chest during a robbery attempt on Aug. 31.
“He’s doing a really good job, obviously being back and just bringing the juice,” quarterback Brock Purdy said after Thursday’s practice. “He’s going really fast in and out of his cuts and creating some really good separation. … For him to get in and actually be a part of our offense — not just a young guy that’s trying to learn his way — but actually trying to make an impact early on, for me, I love it.”
Meanwhile, left tackle Trent Williams, when asked about the impact of the 49ers’ rookie draft class, suggested Pearsall could join the first-year crew against the Chiefs.
“And then we’re getting Ricky back, hopefully, this Sunday,” Williams said. “So that should add to it.”
Pearsall remains on the non-football injury list, but he had his practice window opened Monday and he can be activated to the 53-man roster at any point before Nov. 4.
The decision on whether to activate Pearsall this week comes with wide receiver Jauan Jennings dealing with a hip injury that’s kept him out of practice and wide receiver Deebo Samuel limited by a wrist injury in each practice.
Last week, Shanahan said he expected Pearsall to require a “longer ramp-up period” due to his lack of practice time. Pearsall missed most of training camp with hamstring and shoulder injuries before he suffered his gunshot wound.
“We’re not going to rush it or anything,” Shanahan said. “If he’s ready, he’s ready. And if he’s not, we’ve got a few weeks.”