San Francisco 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall released from hospital after being shot in attempted robbery

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was released from the hospital on Sunday after being shot in the chest in a robbery attempt on Saturday in the city's Union Square district.

Pearsall had been upgraded to a fair condition, according to media reports, after being listed as "serious but stable condition" in a team statement on Saturday night.

"San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was released from the hospital this afternoon as he continues to recover from a bullet wound to his chest," the team said in a statement on Sunday.

"He and his family, along with the entire San Francisco 49ers organisation, would like to thank the San Francisco Police Department, emergency medical services, doctors and staff at San Francisco General Hospital."

His mother, Erin Pearsall, said in social media post on Sunday that her son was "extremely lucky".

"First and (foremost) I want to thank GOD for protecting my baby boy," she posted on Facebook. "He is extremely lucky, GOD shielded him. He was shot in the chest and it exited out his back. Thanks be to GOD it missed his vital organs ... My son was spared today by the grace of GOD."

The 17-year-old suspect in the attempted robbery was arrested on Saturday as he attempted to run from the scene, San Francisco police chief William Scott said.

The alleged gunman, who targeted Pearsall's Rolex watch, was also hospitalised after the shooting and charges against him are pending.

Pearsall was taken to San Francisco General Hospital. Video shot in Union Square and posted to social media showed a shirtless Pearsall gingerly walking to an ambulance with assistance from police. As he sat on a gurney, he moved his left hand, which was pressing his shirt against the right side of