The news comes the day before the team's Thursday-night matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
San Francisco had not had a positive test for the highly-contagious virus since the end of August when linebacker Fred Warner landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. He was removed from the list on September 9, in time for the team's regular-season opener.
RELATED
Two other 49ers players had landed on the reserve/COVID-19 listed before that — wide receiver Richie James Jr. on July 27 and running back Jeff Wilson Jr. on July 30.
Assuming the game takes place, the Packers will be without several players due to a positive test of their own this week.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked on Tuesday if he trusts what the league is doing in response to the pandemic and news that Packers players had tested positive.
"Oh, yeah. The league, the world, everybody," Shanahan responded. "I trust everybody, at least definitely with us, because we have our protocols and everything. I think everyone's doing as good as they can and I follow those as well as I can. We challenge everyone in this building to do it as well as we can. After that, I don't give much thought to it, but everything else kind of consumes me. When things happen, you just react and you deal with it."
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that Thursday night's game remains on schedule.
Update: It would appear that Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports broke the news minutes before Schefter. She adds that the positive test came from a player and not a staff member or coach.
Update 2: Schefter reports that wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is the player who tested positive for COVID-19.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Insider: If the 49ers move practice facility, it won't be for the reason you think
Every time the San Francisco 49ers visit another team's facility for joint practices, the contrast is hard to miss. Around the NFL, many complexes comfortably host two full rosters. By comparison, San Francisco's facility in Santa Clara—adjacent to Levi's Stadium—can feel... -
49ers add 'three-down disruptor' in 2026 7-round NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers' work on revamping their defensive front will undoubtedly continue in 2026. After investing heavily in the trenches during the 2025 NFL Draft—selecting Mykel Williams in the first round, Alfred Collins in the second, and CJ West in the fourth—the... -
49ers vs. Seahawks: Brian Baldinger breaks down the talent gap
The San Francisco 49ers' playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks exposed more than just the impact of injuries. According to NFL analyst Brian Baldinger, it revealed a widening talent gap between the two NFC West rivals. Baldinger joined Bay Area radio station 95.7 The Game on... -
49ers' George Kittle is PFF's top TE — but can he return to form?
When it comes to elite NFL tight ends, George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers still sets the standard. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Kittle was the highest-graded tight end in 2025, earning a stellar 90.7 offensive grade. Even in an injury-shortened campaign, the...