Update: Nelson's suspension was for 10 games because it is his second violation. His first violation occurred during his rookie season in 2011.
Nelson is in the final year of his contract and scheduled to become a free agent in March. Should he land on a team, he will be eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games before resuming his suspension at the start of the 2019 season.
"I have been made aware by the NFL that I tested positive for a banned substance, and as a result will be suspended," Nelson said via the statement released by the 49ers. "I have been taking the same supplements for my entire time with the 49ers, while undergoing often simultaneous testing by the NFL with no issues. I do not deviate from my nutrition routine, and I would never knowingly take a banned substance. I am currently having the supplements tested, and I hope to uncover the cause of the positive test. When the product is identified I fully intend to seek legal action against the manufacturer to protect against this happening to other players in the future."
The 49ers worked out five long snappers on November 26. While initially seen as a curious move, the team likely knew disciplinary action against Nelson might be imminent. Those involved in the workout were Tanner Carew, Jon Condo, Lucas Gravelle, Colin Holba, and Taybor Pepper.
Nelson is in his seventh NFL season. The New Orleans Saints signed him as an undrafted free agent out of New Mexico State in 2011. Nelson spent time with the San Diego Chargers and Washington Redskins before signing with the 49ers on July 25, 2014. Before that, he had two other offseason stints with San Francisco, in 2012 and 2013. During both instances, the 49ers released Nelson before the start of the regular season.
"We are certainly disappointed to be losing Kyle for 10 games," general manager John Lynch said via the statement. "Hopefully this serves as a reminder to all of our players that they need to take the proper steps to know exactly what they are putting in their bodies."
Nelson has appeared in every game (76 games) with San Francisco since joining the team in 2014.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
The Most Faithful: How 49ers Fans Dominate Home and Road Games
Having home-field advantage is important in all sports. The Boston Garden, home of the Boston Celtics, was famous for its lack of air conditioning and the team's playoff record. College stadiums have nicknames that proclaim the difficulty of winning there as an opposing team.... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan confirms Brandon Aiyuk's absence, addresses uncertain future
Over the weekend, the San Francisco 49ers announced they placed wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list, officially ending his season—and potentially his future with the team. NFL insider Matt Maiocco reported that the 49ers have been unable to keep tabs on... -
What Kyle Shanahan and others said after 49ers' 37-24 win vs. Titans
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and several others spoke with reporters after Sunday's 37-24 Week 15 win over the Tennessee Titans. Here is what they said. Transcripts provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. 49ers Head Coach Kyle... -
49ers Notebook: Ricky Pearsall gets back to piling up stats; Is Trent Williams giving up on his TD dream? The meaning of 10 wins; Happy Birthday, Kyle Shanahan
The San Francisco 49ers are inching closer to a playoff berth, and on Sunday they did what playoff teams are supposed to do by decisively taking care of business against a last-place team with a 37-24 victory over the two-win Tennessee Titans. The offense shined for the 49ers...