The San Francisco 49ers got some important support for their defensive line but will wait at least another week before rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall can start practicing again.
This week was the first opportunity for players who were on injury lists before the season began to return to practice. The 49ers opened the practice window for defensive tackle Kalia Davis on Wednesday but are delaying Pearsall’s return after he was shot in the chest during a robbery attempt in San Francisco on August 31.
Coach Kyle Shanahan stated that Pearsall isn’t ready to practice yet but might be getting close.
Pearsall missed most of training camp because of hamstring and shoulder injuries but was expected to be ready for the first game of the season before the shooting.
He barely avoided serious injury, and the team intends to be patient as he heals from both the physical and emotional impacts.
Pearsall has been working out on the side but cannot join practice until the 49ers allow a three-week period for his return.
“I’m excited for Ricky whenever he does get that nod,” linebacker Fred Warner said. “Obviously he’s been working his tail off to get back after that unfortunate situation. But I love the way that Ricky came in from day one and has competed.”
Davis has been sidelined since hurting his knee in the first exhibition game on August 10, but his return is crucial for the defensive tackle group, especially after starter Javon Hargrave suffered a potentially season-ending triceps injury.
Davis was a sixth-round draft pick in 2022 and missed his whole rookie season while recovering from a knee injury sustained during his final year at college in Central Florida. He played three games last season and made one sack.
