The last few days were filled with trouble for 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall. The WR was s— in the chest during a robbery attempt in San Francisco when he was on his way to a signing event. Videos showed the player walking with a shirt clutched to his chest immediately after the incident. He was hospitalized, concerning the community about his well-being.

Thankfully, the first-round draft pick was released from the hospital on September 1, just 24 hours later. League sources mentioned he didn’t require surgery and was awake and strong throughout his hospital stay. At one point, Pearsall even thought he was going to die, asking a police officer about his future. Sgt. Joelle Harrell recalled reminding him, “You’re strong,” at the scene and to focus on his breathing. “And he listened. He calmed down, and that’s what I wanted him to do.” 

The incident is especially heartbreaking, considering his birthday was just next week. However, his loved ones are never going to let him forget how special he is.

Pearsall’s girlfriend, Tori Moraga, took to Instagram on the special occasion, writing, “A special Happy Birthday to my heart! Thank you for growing with me and choosing me everyday. You are a force and a bright light that I’m fortunate enough to see shine everyday, and I am so thankful to know you and love you.” and mentioned she is lucky to have him. “The absolute light of my life. God is our Shepard, glory be to him,” she further wrote. 

And like the loving boyfriend he is, Pearsall promptly commented, “Thank you for always sticking by me!” Notably, the couple met at the University of Florida, where Moraga was a cheerleader and Pearsall was part of the Florida Gators football program. They made their relationship Instagram official last year in January. Currently Tori—real name, Victoria—is a social media coordinator at the Modern International Realty.

Pearsall’s injury has put a dent in his rookie season plans. But before we get to those updates, more heartbreaking details have emerged on the teen suspect who shot him.

The unnamed 17-year-old had reportedly brought a gun to school a week prior to the attack. Official police documents showed a report from August 21 at the Stein High School, an alternative institution for troubled students. As of now, the teen has been charged with attempted murder, attempted second-degree robbery and assault with a semi-automatic firearm according to San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.

Now that Pearsall has recovered, fans are curious about whether he will he play in the NFL 2024. 

Will Ricky Pearsall play in the NFL season 2024?

When asked about Pearsall’s recovery, 49ers manager Lynch mentioned. “We just all feel incredibly blessed.” He continued, ” I was able to be down at the hospital, and I heard it from so many down there. It’s nothing short of miraculous that he came out of this as good as he did.” Along with sharing the good news, the 49ers general manager also expressed his gratitude for many agencies and first responders that aided Pearsall. 

When asked about will Ricky Pearsall’s return during the 2024 season? Lynch replied, “He’s doing remarkably well,” but currently he is following whatever medical experts say. The team put Pearsall on the on the reserve/non-football injury list, which reportedly means he will miss definitely miss the first four games. While Week 5 is a possible timeline for his return, it’s not written in stone.

He’s set to miss the games against the Tennessee Titans (Sept. 10), New Orleans Saints (Sept. 18), Las Vegas Raiders (Sept. 23) and New York Jets (October 9). Fans can expect his return against the Minnesota Vikings on October 15.

For now, all we can do is hope and pray!