49ers rookie Pearsall feels blessed to make NFL debut after shooting

SANTA CLARA — Ricky Pearsall's long-awaited NFL debut ended up being a necessity after injuries plagued 49ers receivers in their 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at Levi's Stadium. San Francisco's first-round pick of the 2024 NFL Draft was on the field for 17 plays during the first half, with his first NFL reception coming towards the end of the second quarter on a 6-yard pass from Brock Purdy. "I definitely felt jitters on the first play," Pearsall told NBC Sports Bay Area after game. "But after that it felt more normal." Ricky Pearsall hauls in his first career NFL catch pic.twitter.com/abDi99n63n— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) October 20, 2024 The 49ers Faithful in attendance at Levi's Stadium stood and cheered for the rookie's first catch, so much that members of offense had to urge the crowd to quiet down so they could hear their next play call. Pearsall's debut was delayed by an attempted armed robbery on Aug. 31. The rookie suffered a gunshot wound during the incident that miraculously did not hit any vital organs, allowing an incredibly speedy recovery. "It meant everything," Pearsall said of his first game during his postgame press conference. "Obviously...