49ers WR Richie James lands on the reserve/COVID-19 list

The San Francisco 49ers began their COVID testing today, and wide receiver Richie James, who is rehabbing from a broken wrist, has been played on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. That doesn’t necessarily mean he tested positive. It could mean James had an exposure to someone with a known case.

Your previous test is only as good as the next person you come into contact with. If a player tests negative today and comes in contact with someone who has been exposed to COVID tomorrow, then today’s tests don’t mean a lot. The majority of the 49ers veterans will report tomorrow. James came brings the entire NFL list to 24 so far.

The new Reserve/Covid-19 List has been created for a player who either tests positive for COVID-19 or has been quarantined after having been in close contact with an infected person or persons. If a player falls into either of these categories, his club is required to immediately place the player on the Reserve/COVID-19 List. Clubs are not permitted to comment on player’s medical status other than referring to roster status and may not disclose whether the player is in quarantine or is positive for COVID-19.