NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Arizona Cardinals have offered their home field, State Farm Stadium, to the San Francisco 49ers for the at least two home games they will be unable to play at Levi's Stadium. New COVID-19-related restrictions in Santa Clara County will go into effect on Monday. They will prevent the 49ers from playing their next two home games — a December 7 matchup against the Buffalo Bills and a December 13 game against the Washington Football Team — in the area.
There is no conflict when it comes to the 49ers' and Cardinals' schedules. Arizona hosts the Los Angeles Rams on December 6 and is out of town the next week.
If necessary, the 49ers could play their last home game of the season — against the Seattle Seahawks — in Arizona. The Cardinals are out of town that weekend too.
Santa Clara County is banning all collegiate and professional contact sports and requiring a 14-day quarantine for anyone traveling into the area from over 150 miles away. It also means that the 49ers will be unable to practice at their facility, which neighbors Levi's Stadium. The restrictions are expected to be in effect for three weeks.
Rapoport calls the use of State Farm Stadium the "most likely option" for the 49ers to play their next two home games. He also notes that there are options in the area for the Niners to set up a temporary practice facility.
"Their NFC West rivals -- who actually host the Niners in Week 16 -- are said to be willing to accommodate them," wrote Rapoport. "The league would like the 49ers to play in an NFL stadium if possible. Another option is for the 49ers to play at a stadium in Texas."
The 49ers are in Los Angeles today to play the Rams and return home tonight before the restrictions go into effect. A decision will need to be made before mid-week when the team is scheduled to begin practicing for its home game against the Bills.
