Ricky Pearsall Experiences NFL Breakout Performance

Pearsall also added a 40-yard reception and a 39-yard reception in the second and third quarters, both of which led to touchdowns.

"When the ball came his way, he did a good job," head coach Kyle Shanahan said. "Made some good catches. Had some big plays. It doesn't always work that way for wideouts, but when it came his way, he did a real good job."

Pearsall's breakout comes near the end of first season as a professional, one that started with a tragic incident before the season began.

Pearsall was the victim of a robbery attempt in downtown San Francisco on Aug. 31 when he suffered a gunshot wound to the chest on the way to an autograph signing event. Despite being released from the hospital the next day, Pearsall did not appear in a game until the 49ers' Week Seven loss to Kansas City.

He recorded his first professional touchdown two games later in a six-catch, 73-yard effort against Tampa Bay. In two collegiate seasons with Florida, Pearsall, originally a transfer from Arizona State, caught 98 passes for 1,626 yards and nine touchdowns.

Sitting at 6-10 with one game left, the 49ers are eliminated from playoff contention. Pearsall concludes his rookie season with the team on Jan. 5 at Arizona with kickoff set for 4:25 p.m.