49ers News: John Lynch optimistic Ricky Pearsall will play in 2024

With Brandon Aiyuk extended and the Trent Williams “thing” figured out, the San Francisco 49ers have a storyline to resolve, and that’s Ricky Pearsall.

Last week, Pearsall was shot in an attempted robbery and put on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List as a result. It’s obvious why the decision was made from both the recovery and mental health perspectives. But that hasn’t stopped Pearsall from being on the field. The incident happened Saturday, and here’s a video from the following Thursday:

John Lynch had some context to the above video. Lynch joined the Murph and Markus podcast to discuss the 49ers, and obviously, Pearsall was a large topic.

“I think people saw some video [above video] yesterday of him twirling the ball around,” Lynch said on the podcast. “And three days ago, that wasn’t it. He was really holding that thing like it was immobile, the right side of his body. And so, he’s coming incredibly quick and really, miraculous outcome for something as scary as it was.”

The 49ers put Pearsall on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury List which puts him out of action for a minimum of four games. Kyle Shanahan said the 49ers did not want to rush Pearsall back on Thursday. Lynch also commented that there’s also a mental health aspect that Pearsall may work on as well. Lynch has said the York family is providing every resource they can in Pearsall’s rehab and recovery. But will he play?

“Absolutely,” was Lynch’s answer. “He’s going to play this year. We’re going to give him the time to do it when it’s right for him, and that’s physically, mentally, emotionally—but I can tell you he’s doing really well.”