The San Francisco 49ers currently maintain contractual control over Ricky Pearsall as he remains on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury (NFI) list following his August 2024 shooting. The team cannot release the wide receiver until he completes specific NFL administrative procedures, as he is currently ineligible for standard roster moves while on a reserve list.
Why the 49ers cannot release Pearsall
Under the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, players placed on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list are effectively removed from the active 53-man roster but remain under contract. According to NFL roster rules, a team cannot simply release a player who is currently designated to a reserve list without first navigating the return-to-play or medical clearance process.
Pearsall, the 49ers’ first-round draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was placed on the NFI list following a shooting incident in San Francisco’s Union Square on August 31, 2024. Because his injury was sustained outside of an NFL-sanctioned football activity, the NFI designation is the mandatory mechanism for roster management. The team must wait for official medical clearance and the subsequent filing of paperwork with the league office before any change to his status can occur.
The status of the Reserve/NFI list
The Reserve/NFI list is distinct from the Injured Reserve (IR) list. While IR is reserved for injuries sustained during football activities, the NFI list is for players who arrive at training camp with pre-existing injuries or suffer injuries away from the team facility.
According to 49ers general manager John Lynch, the organization’s primary focus remains on Pearsall’s recovery and rehabilitation rather than his immediate roster status. The team is required to follow strict league guidelines regarding the transition of players from reserve status back to the active roster. This process involves:
- Medical Evaluation: Team doctors must verify that the player has physically recovered to a level capable of participating in professional football.
- Administrative Filing: The team must officially petition the NFL to move the player to the active roster or designate them for a return-to-practice window.
- Roster Spot Availability: A team must have a vacant spot on their 53-man roster to accommodate a player moving off a reserve list.
What happens next for Pearsall
Pearsall’s path back to the field depends on his physical progression. As of the most recent updates from the San Francisco 49ers, the rookie has been working through his recovery process. Once he is cleared by medical staff, the 49ers will open a 21-day practice window. During this period, the team can evaluate his performance before deciding whether to activate him fully to the 53-man roster.
If the 49ers decided to move on from the receiver, they would still be required to navigate the same administrative hurdles. A player cannot be released while on a reserve list; they must first be cleared to return to the active roster, at which point the team could then choose to waive or release the player if they so desired. Given Pearsall’s status as a first-round investment, the organization continues to prioritize his development and eventual return to the lineup.