49ers’ Bourne back on COVID19 list, days after leaving it
The 49ers’ Kendrick Bourne was put back on the reserve/ COVID19 list Monday, days after being removed from it.
Bourne, 25, was put on the list last week, missing Thursday night’s loss to the Packers, but was removed from it Friday morning when he had a second straight negative test. The 49ers did not comment on whether Bourne had tested positive again.
Tackle Trent Williams and receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk were also on the COVID list last week but, like Bourne, were removed Friday.
In another move Monday, the 49ers opened the practice window for Richard Sherman.
The AllPro cornerback hasn’t played since suffering a calf injury in the season opener. The practice window gives the 49ers three weeks to decide what to do next.
The 49ers ( 45) play at New Orleans ( 62) on Sunday, then have their bye before visiting the Rams on Nov. 29.
— Michael Lerseth
Browns’ mixed bag: There was a buzz on the practice field Monday as the Browns returned from their bye with several starters, including running back Nick Chubb, returning from injuries.
However, there was a noticeable absence: the quarterback.
Baker Mayfield remains away from the team after being placed on the COVID19 list because he came in close contact with a staff member who tested positive for the coronavirus. Mayfield has tested negative to this point and he could return Wednesday as the Browns ( 53) get ready to host the Texans ( 26) on Sunday.
“I can’t really get into it,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said of Mayfield’s status. “We are just following all the protocols. In this day and age, all of our guys are doing their absolute best.
Nothing is foolproof, but we will make sure that we just follow all of the rules.”
Stefanski said Mayfield participated virtually in team meetings. It’s impossible to predict whether he’ll practice, let alone play, this week.
McCaffrey hurt again: Carolina head coach Matt Rhule says running back Christian McCaffrey is “day to day” with a shoulder injury he suffered in the closing seconds of the Panthers’ 3331 loss at Kansas City on Sunday.
Rhule would not say if McCaffrey has had an MRI exam or an Xray, adding that he should know more about the extent of the injury Wednesday.
The Panthers host Tampa Bay on Sunday.
McCaffrey missed six games with a high ankle sprain before returning Sunday against the Chiefs and racking up 151 total yards and two touchdowns. He was injured with 1: 10 left in the game when he was tackled near the sideline by linebacker Dan Sorenson.
McCaffrey, who played 59 of the Panthers’ 83 snaps, left for a few plays and was holding his shoulder on the sideline. He returned for a play before leaving for good.
Briefly: Rookie tight end Albert Okwuegbunam is out for the year after tearing his right ACL in the Broncos’ loss at Atlanta. ... Atlanta waived defensive end Takk McKinley, a KennedyRichmond High alum and 2017 firstround pick, days after he made public his displeasure that he had not been traded.