A player can land on the reserve/COVID-19 list either by testing positive for the virus or coming in close contact with someone who has. NFL teams are not permitted to comment on a player's medical status other than referring to the roster status and may not disclose why they are on the list.
The San Francisco 49ers currently have nine players on the reserve/COVID-19 list, including Trent Williams. Dan Graziano of ESPN reports that the offensive tackle tested positive for COVID-19 last week, making his availability for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams uncertain.
49ers LT Trent Williams tested positive for COVID-19 last week, which casts doubt on his availability for Sunday's game. Williams was on the COVID-19 list two weeks ago as a close contact of someone else, but last week he was placed on the list following his own positive test.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) November 24, 2020
Of course, that is probably the least concerning aspect of the situation for Williams, his teammates, coaches, family, and friends.
Graziano also notes that Williams is considered high-risk when it comes to the virus. In April of 2019, the offensive lineman had a growth removed from his head that was diagnosed as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), which is a rare type of cancer.
The good news is that Williams told Graziano that he is feeling fine and expects to recover.
Williams is a cancer survivor and therefore in a high-risk category, but he told me he was feeling OK and expected to be fine. Still must clear some hurdles if he's to play this week, depending on when he tested positive and whether he had/has symptoms.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) November 24, 2020
Williams is in his first season with San Francisco. This is his second time on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The offensive lineman missed a Week 9 contest against the Green Bay Packers after contact tracing determined he came into close contact with wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, who tested positive for COVID-19. Williams started all nine of the other games this season.
