The San Francisco 49ers are going to extremely short-handed as they face off against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football. The 49ers placed four players on the COVID/restricted list after wide receiver Kendrick Bourne tested positive for the coronavirus. Left tackle Trent Williams and wideouts Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel were in close contact with Bourne and placed on the list as well.
That leaves the team with just two wide-receivers, Trent Taylor and Richie James, on their active roster. James is currently listed as questionable with an ankle injury, though he is expected to play. Kevin White, River Cracraft, and Chris Finke are expected to be promoted from the practice squad to fill the gaps.
After learning of the positive test, the 49ers closed all their team facilities in accordance with the league's coronavirus protocols.
"The health and safety of our players, staff, and community are the organization's highest priority," the 49ers said in a statement. "We will continue to work closely with the NFL and medical professionals and will follow their direction."
The 49ers were already reeling from injuries after losing their starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and star tight end George Kittle to season-ending injuries last week. The team is also without their starting running back Raheem Mostert, tight end Jordan Reed, and starting center Ben Garland, who are all on injured reserve. Reed could be activated before the start of the game.
The Packers will also be without some of their key players. Running back AJ Dillon is on the COVID/restricted list after testing positive for COVID-19 on Monday. Running back Jamaal Williams and linebacker Kamal Martin were deemed to have close contact with Dillon and will have to sit out the game as well.
Despite all the players expected to miss the game, it does not appear that the NFL plans to postpone Thursday night's game.
Jason Whitlock: Cam Newton's Haircut is the Problem in New England
Colin Cowherd Makes His NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl Picks
If NFL Teams Were States During the 2020 Presidential Election
Colin Cowherd Blasts Drew Lock, Says Lock is ‘Trying Too Hard to Be Cool’
Rob Parker: Only a 'Loser' Would Try to Trade for James Harden