SANTA CLARA – Ricky Pearsall is set to play in his third NFL game on Sunday, and the 49ers rookie said he’s making positive progress in getting used to the game, but it’s also been a process.

“I’m feeling more and more comfortable every week, to be honest,” Pearsall said Thursday. “Continue to dive into this playbook, study it, go out there and execute it. I’ve only had minimal practice, so I can go out there and run through it.

Pearsall missed the first six games of the 2024 NFL season as he recovered from a gunshot wound suffered during an attempted armed robbery. In his two NFL appearances – one start – the wide receiver was on the field for 88 offensive snaps, or 67 percent.

The 2024 NFL Draft first-round pick has felt an improvement in his chemistry with quarterback Brock Purdy as they get more practice time and game reps together.

“It keeps getting better,” Pearsall said. “Just practice. The more reps we get, the better the timing of our things will be. You can see it after two weeks of practice, and it will get better and better.

“I think it’s more about just getting a feel for it. I’m in a unique situation where I missed training camp and the first few weeks, so I’m just trying to make up for the time we lost.”

Pearsall not only missed the 50 days on the reserve/non-football injury list, but also sat out much of his first training camp due to a shoulder sublimation and a hamstring injury. Every rep he has taken at Purdy has brought him closer to playing a bigger role in the offense.

“Just being myself,” Pearsall said of his next steps. “I consider myself a huge playmaker, so when those opportunities arise, just go out there and execute and create an impact on the game.”

Just as Pearsall was getting into a rhythm, the 49ers had their scheduled bye week. While it was nice for him to see his family in Arizona, the wideout was ready to get back to work in the Bay Area.

“I think from the first through the second game I felt more comfortable being there,” Pearsall said. “I think I went faster. I’ll be in the system a little longer and get some exercises under my belt. I think it will only continue to improve. I’m going to get faster and faster and gain more and more confidence.

“It was good to get back to Arizona to see my family, but I only played two games so I’m trying to get into the swing of things.”

Pearsall will get more reps on Sunday when the 49ers take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Florida. Kickoff is at 10am PT.

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