49ers GM gives huge update on rookie WR's possible season debut

Only seven weeks after being shot in the chest during an attempted robbery, rookie wideout Ricky Pearsall has a chance to make his NFL debut for the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Niners general manager John Lynch discussed Pearsall's situation on Friday, two days ahead of the team's Week 7 home contest (and Super Bowl LVIII rematch) against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Lynch's positive words come as San Francisco is dealing with multiple injuries to key contributors on offense.

Superstar running back Christian McCaffrey is on injured reserve due to an Achilles issue. Backup running back Jordan Mason has shined as the replacement with 609 rushing yards ( second in the NFL ) but is battling a shoulder ailment and is questionable for Sunday's game.

Wide receiver Deebo Samuel has been limited by a wrist issue in practice this week, and fellow wideout Jauan Jennings hasn't suited up in recent days due to a hip injury.

The 49ers selected Pearsall with the 31st pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after he spent three seasons at Arizona State and two with Florida.

Mason hasn't been used much as a weapon as a pass-catcher, and Samuel acts more as an intermediate target and occasional dual weapon out of the backfield in the team's offense. Pearsall could join wideouts Brandon Aiyuk and Jennings, as well as tight end George Kittle, however, to give quarterback Brock Purdy another deep option.

After his best season with the Sun Devils in 2021 resulted in 48 catches for 580 yards and four touchdowns, the Arizona native had just 33 receptions in 2022 with the Gators. The 33 catches went for 661 receiving yards and five scores, though, giving Pearsall an SEC-best 20.0 yards per reception that season.

Pearsall wrapped his college career with 65 catches (sixth in the SEC) for 965 yards (sixth) and four touchdowns last season.