Ricky Pearsall, Niners’ first-round pick, in stable condition after shooting in San Francisco robbery

Ricky Pearsall, the San Francisco 49ers’ first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was shot during an attempted robbery at San Francisco’s Union Square, according to KGO-TV’s Dion Lim and NBC Bay Area’s Gia Vang.

Per Vang, Pearsall is in stable condition and the suspect is in custody. San Francisco police told KTXL’s Sean Cunningham that Pearsall, who was going to a signing event, was shot through the chest after a struggle for the gun with a suspect, who was allegedly attempting to steal a Rolex watch.

The suspect was also reportedly shot, and is currently stable at San Francisco General Hospital, where Pearsall is being treated. San Francisco mayor London Breed later confirmed the news in a post on social media and expressed her support for Pearsall.

The Niners selected Pearsall with the 31st overall pick of the draft, adding him to a wide receiver room that already included All-Pros Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Soon after the shooting was reported, Samuel tweeted that Pearsall is “good.”

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White, who played with Pearsall at Arizona State, also responded to the news.

Pearsall played at Arizona State and Florida in his college career, with 965 receiving yards and six total touchdowns in his final season with the Gators. He was mostly seen as a second-round prospect entering the draft, but was well-regarded for his route running and soft hands as a slot receiver.

Injuries had so far limited Pearsall’s first NFL training camp, spending time on the reserve/non-football injury list with a hamstring injury and working through a shoulder injury after his activation. With his condition only reported as stable for now, it’s hard to tell how much time the gunshot wound will force him to miss.