Head coach Kyle Shanahan was clearly frustrated by Santa Clara County's lack of communication with the San Francisco 49ers surrounding the new COVID-19 restrictions that go into effect just hours after the team arrives home. He was hurt for his players, who were boarding a plane bound for Los Angeles on Saturday and received word of the news via Twitter and text messages from friends and family.
Shanahan was as confused as his players and had no information to provide. Amazingly, the 49ers were able to upset the Rams 23-20 a day later, even with distractions on their minds.
For Raheem Mostert, discussing the situation got very emotional as the running back fought back tears. After all, he has been separated from his wife and two sons, one of whom is a newborn. They remain at their home in the Cleveland area rather than follow Mostert out West and potentially expose themselves to COVID-19.
"The last 24 hours has been up and down for the team," and emotional Mostert told reporters after the game. "We're not necessarily sure (about the plan) with the uncertainty of how the rest of the season is going to play out or what we're expecting as far as when we get back.
"One thing I would like to say, though, no matter what we go through, we're a team, and we truly believe that we're going to take care of each other. We're going to look after each other. If you think about my situation, I left my family back at home to be a part of something like this.
"I don't take anything for granted. I try to do my best to make sure that me, the people around me, my teammates, everybody, the whole organization is looking after each other. That's one thing that I pride myself on.
"For me, personally, it's been a struggle not having my little family -- sorry if I get emotional, but it's really tough, and I miss them so much. And it's a fight out here every day. You're fighting for your life, and I just want people to understand that. It's not just football players. It's the whole organization. It's everybody. People have to make sacrifices out here. I sacrificed by leaving my family behind, so that way, I can make a living for them."
"Personally it's been a struggle not having my little family with me...It's really tough, I miss them so much."@RMos_8Ball gets emotional talking about the sacrifices made during this season. pic.twitter.com/Zzvl0OaGky
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 30, 2020
The 49ers are seeking alternative locations not only to play future home games but also for practices. Neither will happen in Santa Clara County over at least the next few weeks.
"Right now, we don't have a home," Mostert added. "Right now, we don't know where we're going to be. It's up to the organization and the county and stuff like that to figure those things out. Us players, we've got to do our jobs to make sure we protect each other. This is a family for me. We all treat each other like family with pride and respect. We've got to do all the little things in order to take care of ourselves, and who knows what the future holds?"