Welcome to the NFL, Ricky Pearsall.
The 49ers’ No. 31 overall pick from this year’s draft didn’t make it onto the field until Week 7 after missing time because of a gunshot wound he suffered the week before the season began.
His first couple of games went okay with seven catches and 59 receiving yards. Then he stepped onto the field in his third game and immediately made a huge impact.
Pearsall caught a deep crosser from quarterback Brock Purdy, evaded a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back, and raced 46 yards for his first-career touchdown.
Perhaps the most impressive part of the play was the speed Pearsall showed off to find paydirt:
First NFL TD for Ricky Pearsall ‼️
📺 #SFvsTB on FOX pic.twitter.com/J8kjN1jYLB
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 10, 2024
The 49ers need to get more out of their first-round pick after losing WR Brandon Aiyuk for the season. WRs Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings are active Sunday, but both are battling injuries. Pearsall stepping up after the Bye could be a significant addition for the 49ers after a relatively quiet trade deadline for them.
Pearsall’s touchdown capped a six-play, 66-yard touchdown drive that put the 49ers ahead 7-0 on the road in a huge game for the NFC playoff picture.
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