It's been an interesting last couple of weeks for the San Francisco 49ers. Defensive lineman Arik Armstead landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list the day after the team's Week 10 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Eight others joined him after that.
Armstead, along with center Hroniss Grasu and rookie defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, has since been removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list. That still leaves the following six 49ers players unavailable, though.
- WR Brandon Aiyuk
- TE Daniel Helm
- DT D.J. Jones
- LB Joe Walker
- T Trent Williams
- DE Jordan Willis
Head coach Kyle Shanahan hasn't completely given up hope that others could be activated before Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams. Although, he didn't sound terribly optimistic on Friday.
The coach was asked if there is a scenario in which Williams and Aiyuk could be taken off the reserve/COVID-19 list and play this weekend.
"Yeah, I believe there's a chance for Trent — an outside chance," Shanahan responded. "I haven't heard that on Aiyuk."
It sounds like the 49ers will enter yet another game severely undermanned beyond the players out due to injuries.
ESPN reported earlier this week that Williams tested positive for COVID-19, making his availability for Sunday uncertain. It was more concerning for the offensive tackle, who is considered high-risk when it comes to the virus.
Last year, Williams had a growth removed from his head that was diagnosed as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), which is a rare type of cancer.
Then you have the Rams, who on Friday had to cancel practice after a player and staff member tested positive for COVID-19.
"Out of an abundance of caution, the Rams canceled today's practice for precautionary reasons after two members of the organization received COVID-19 test results Thursday night that required additional testing today," the Rams said via a short statement.