Unidentified player tests positive for COVID-19
Another receiver injury as James Jr. breaks wrist
An unidentified San Francisco 49ers player has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 after an informal workout with teammates in Tennessee.
The NFL Network reported Friday that one player who took part in the workouts this week in Nashville has tested positive. All the players who were there will now get tested to see if there is any spread.
The team declined to comment, citing federal and state privacy laws about the personal health of employees.
Several 49ers players have been working out this
week in Nashville while team facilities are shut down because of the pandemic.
Quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo, Nick Mullens and C.J. Beathard, star tight end George Kittle, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, and receivers Kendrick Bourne, Deebo Samuel, Trent Taylor, Dante Pettis and Brandon Aiyuk are among the players who were on hand.
RECEIVER JAMES JR. BREAKS
RIGHT WRIST » Receiver Richie James Jr. has broken his right wrist during offseason workouts and won’t be ready to return to the field until after the start of training camp.
The 49ers confirmed a report of the injury by NFL Network on Friday and said they will have a better idea of how long James will be sidelined after he reports to training camp next month.
NFL Network said James is expected to miss at least two months.
James is the second receiver lost to injury this week for the defending NFC champion 49ers. No. 1 wideout Deebo Samuel underwent surgery Thursday to repair a fracture in his left foot suffered during informal player workouts in Tennessee. Samuel said he expects to be back in 10 weeks, meaning he will miss the start of training camp but should be healthy for the season opener Sept. 13.
Players on all NFL teams have been working out away from team facilities this offseason because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
James originally joined the Niners as a seventhround pick in 2018 and has been the team’s primary returner for punts and kicks.