Sometimes, it feels like the universe throws every possible curveball at you. And yet, you manage to rise above it all? That’s exactly where Ricky Pearsall finds himself right now. The 49ers are holding their breath as Week 7 approaches, and there’s this wild sense of anticipation hanging in the air. Will he make it back in time to face the Chiefs?

Heading into Week 7, the buzz is all about whether Pearsall will suit up against the Chiefs. 49ers GM John Lynch gave an update that has fans crossing their fingers. “Absolutely, there’s a chance [he plays Sunday],” Lynch said. Pearsall’s story is wild. This dude was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery, and now, he’s back at practice, working his way towards a potential return. Lynch didn’t hold back in praising him for how hard he’s been grinding since that nightmare. “He responded extremely well physically and attacked the work to get himself back,” Lynch added. Monday was a huge step for Pearsall—he finally got back on the field for practice.

If he’s cleared, Pearsall brings much-needed depth to the 49ers‘ banged-up receiving group. Lynch was all about hyping Pearsall’s ability to beat man coverage, something he learned from Mike Shanahan. “If you can’t beat man coverage, you’re going to be selling cars,” Lynch joked, repeating an old Shanahan line. The Chiefs thrive on man coverage, so if Pearsall is good to go, he could be a problem for them. His skill set is a damn perfect fit for the Niners. Especially with the current state of their offense!

But don’t get too ahead of yourselves—this will be a game-time call. Even though Pearsall’s been back in practice, nothing is locked in yet. It’s damn impressive, he’s even in the conversation after everything he’s been through. And yes, he’s still on the reserve/non-football injury list. So the 49ers will have to make the final call by Saturday if they wanna suit him up on Sunday. But the fact that he’s practicing means we’re close to seeing him back in action.

Pearsall’s journey and fantasy implications

Now, let’s talk about how Pearsall even got here. Dude was placed on the reserve/NFI list after the shooting. The wound? Chest. The timing? Right before the season opener. He was out for at least four weeks, and the road back hasn’t been easy. But this week, San Francisco opened his 21-day practice window. If they activate him, he’s in. If not, he’ll be done for the season. It’s crazy how quickly he’s bounced back. From hospital beds to practice fields, Pearsall’s shown insane mental and physical toughness. Lynch has been confident in his return from the jump, emphasizing how important it is for him to take the time to fully heal.

Pearsall’s return is a big deal for the team, especially considering the injuries. The 49ers are hurting—top running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason are both dealing with issues. Getting Pearsall back on the field could take some of the pressure off their backs and give the offense a much-needed lift. He’s a first-round pick for a reason, and the Niners definitely want him out there helping to make up for all the missing pieces.

Oh, and if you’re into fantasy football? Pearsall is one to keep an eye on. ESPN projects him as a sleeper with his burst and agility numbers lighting up the metrics. He’s a near perfect fit in Shanahan’s offense. And? He could damn well be a sneaky good pick for anyone needing a late-round wide receiver.

Whether or not Pearsall takes the field on Sunday, his story is already one for the books. A rookie who overcame the kind of adversity that would break most people- is on the verge of his NFL debut. All eyes are on Ricky Pearsall, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. His return could very well change everything. So buckle up! This ride is gonna be a wild one.