It's been six weeks since Ricky Pearsall was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery, and he's taking a big step toward his eventual return to the field.
Pearsall is scheduled to practice for the first time since Monday's incident, giving the San Francisco 49ers a 21-day window to return to play.
That doesn't mean Pearsall will play this year.
This is the time frame in which the 49ers must decide whether to bring Pearsall back from injured reserve or keep him there for the remainder of the season.
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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall works out during the 49ers' rookie minicamp at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. (Robert Kuvens/USA Today Sports)
But given the timing of the decision and his potential for improvement, it seems likely the Niners intend to bring him back.
“Health-wise and everything, he's fine, but I won't make a decision on that until we start watching him practice,” San Fran head coach Kyle Shanahan said. said Friday. “But we're not going to rush it. If he's ready, he's ready. If he's not, we have a few weeks.”
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall takes the field before the game against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. (David Gonzalez/Imagine Images)
Pearsall was shot in the chest on Aug. 31 by a 17-year-old boy who tried to steal a Rolex watch in San Francisco's Union Square.
Mr Pearsall was in stable condition upon admission and was discharged the next day. The same week, he was training at the team's complex.
Pearsall suffered a lingering injury during training camp, forcing him to miss all three preseason games.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall smiles during 49ers rookie minicamp at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. (Robert Kuvens/USA Today Sports)
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The suspect is charged with three felonies. Attempted murder with enhanced charges of intentional discharge of a firearm and personal use of a firearm, assault with a semi-automatic weapon and attempted second-degree robbery.
The Niners are 3-3 and have been plagued by injuries throughout the year. Christian McCaffrey hasn't played this season. I have Achilles tendonitis in both legs.
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