Pat’s Update: Per Matt Maiocco, Nelson was suspended for PEDs once in 2011, but it wasn’t known since he was cut from the Kansas City Chiefs.
BREAKING: #49ers LS Kyle Nelson previously violated the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances during his rookie year 10/21/2011. He was cut from the #Chief practice squad on 9/14/2011. He was a free agent when he was suspended. https://t.co/jhfS6HsUgo
— Jennifer Lee Chan (@jenniferleechan) December 5, 2018
Fooch’s update: The 49ers announced the suspension, and said it is for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Nelson and GM John Lynch offered comments, with Nelson blaming a supplement he normally takes that has never been a problem before.
San Francisco 49ers LS Kyle Nelson:
“I have been made aware by the NFL that I tested positive for a banned substance, and as a result will be suspended. 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.”
San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch:
“We are certainly disappointed to be losing Kyle for 10 games. 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.”
The San Francisco 49ers are in the news for an entirely unexpected reason. Long snapper Kyle Nelson has been suspended ten games, according to ESPN’s Field Yates. There is no word yet on the reason for the suspension, but ten games suggests something serious. The NFL transaction report came out this afternoon, and he was placed on the team’s Reserve/Suspended By Commissioner-Less than One Year list.
The 49ers reportedly worked out a handful of long snappers last week (h/t Matt Maiocco), which suggests the 49ers knew this was coming.
49ers tryouts reported: LBs Tyrell Adams (signed to PS), Thurston Armbrister, Michael Wilhoite; LSs Tanner Carew, Jon Condo, Lucas Gravelle, Colin Holba, Taybor Pepper; WRs Max McCaffrey (signed to PS), Jordan Smallwood, Jordan Veasy.
— Howard Balzer (@HBalzer721) November 27, 2018
Nelson has been a very capable long snapper, but a ten game suspension will carry at least six games into next season. There is no word yet on if he is appealing, which would push the ten games further into next season. Of course, Nelson is a free agent after this season, so his future is that much more nebulous.