Ready for his NFL debut after being shot in the chest: Will Ricky Pearsall play for the 49ers against the Chiefs?

Rookie Ricky Pearsall missed the first six games of the 2024 NFL season after being shot in the chest during a robbery attempt in late August. After a miraculous recovery, the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver will make his debut against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced that the team will activate Pearsall for the matchup against the Chiefs. The coach revealed that the first-year player is ready to play on both special teams and the offense.

“The guys are excited. He’s been with the guys for a while, but he practiced all week. He’s had a hell of a week, and we’re excited to have him with us,” Shanahan said. “He’s got roles on special teams, he’s got his role as a receiver, and we’ll see how the game plays out. He’s healthy and he’s ready to go.”

The Niners selected Pearsall with the 31st overall pick in the last NFL Draft. The wide receiver split his college career with the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Florida Gators, where he accumulated 2,673 yards with 19 touchdowns from scrimmage.

Ricky Pearsall's timely return

Ricky Pearsall’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for the 49ers. During the week, wide receiver Deebo Samuel experienced wrist discomfort and Jauan Jennings is listed as out with a hip problem. Of those, only Samuel will be able to play against the Chiefs.

That means Pearsall would be the third wide receiver on the depth chart against Kansas City, behind only Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. The other options for Brock Purdy are Chris Conley, Jacob Cowing and Ronnie Bell.

Elsewhere, Darrell Luter Jr (pelvis) and Kevin Givens (groin) are both listed as questionable.

The 2024 NFL regular season Week 7 game between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers takes place on Sunday October 20, 2024, at Levi’s Stadium in California. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET/1:25 p.m. PT.