San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has captured national attention not just for his playmaking ability but also for a frightening off-field incident that changed the trajectory of his NFL journey. From the shocking shooting in San Francisco to his recovery and current injury status, here’s a full breakdown of everything you need to know — including whether he’s playing tonight.
Who Shot Ricky Pearsall?
In August 2024, Ricky Pearsall was shot during an attempted robbery in Union Square, San Francisco, when a teenager allegedly tried to take his Rolex watch. Police say the suspect was a 17-year-old high school senior from Tracy, California, who confronted Pearsall and fired at him during a struggle. Pearsall was struck in the chest, and the bullet exited his back — miraculously missing vital organs — while the suspect was also shot in the tussle.
The teen was arrested at the scene and initially charged with attempted murder and assault with a firearm. In late 2025, a judge ruled he will be tried as a juvenile, not an adult, sparking both legal debate and public interest.
Ricky Pearsall’s Injury Details
Following the shooting, Pearsall’s condition was upgraded from serious to fair, and he was released from the hospital shortly after the incident. Despite the severity of being shot in the chest, the wide receiver defied expectations with his quick recovery.
In the 2024 season, Pearsall returned to practice approximately six weeks after the shooting, eventually making his NFL debut and even scoring his first career touchdown later that season.
However, in the 2025 season, Pearsall has faced new injury setbacks. He missed practice due to issues with his knee and ankle, and in mid-December 2025 he was forced to exit a game after reinjuring the same knee that had taken weeks to heal.
High School Background
Before joining the NFL, Ricky Pearsall was a standout athlete in high school. He played at Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, Arizona, where he set multiple receiving records and drew attention from college programs. His impressive high school career laid the foundation for collegiate success at Arizona State and then the University of Florida, where he finished as a top receiver before entering the NFL Draft.
Status of the Shooter
The shooter in the Pearsall case was a high school senior at the time of the incident. He was charged with attempted murder, assault with a semiautomatic weapon, and attempted second-degree robbery. His attorney noted he expressed remorse and reportedly did not know Pearsall was an NFL player when the incident occurred.
Recent court rulings determined that the teenager will be tried as a juvenile, avoiding the much harsher penalties of adult court.
Is Ricky Pearsall Playing Tonight? (Game Day Status)
As of the latest reports (December 2025), Pearsall’s availability for tonight’s game remains in question due to continuing knee and ankle issues. He missed practice earlier in the week, leading the 49ers to label his status as uncertain for the upcoming matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
Coach and medical staff are monitoring his progress, and an official decision on his participation will typically come closer to game time, once pre-game warmups and injury designations are confirmed by the team.
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