Report: 49ers Cleared of COVID-19 Violations

After Kendrick Bourne initially tested positive for COVID-19, the NFL and NFLPA investigated the 49ers and Bourne for possible protocol violations.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers have been cleared of any potential violations of the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols following a positive test from receiver Kendrick Bourne.

A person familiar with the investigation said Wednesday the league and union reviewed the 49ers and determined the team was in compliance of coronavirus protocols. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the league made no announcement.

The investigation started last week after Bourne tested positive for the coronavirus and was placed on the COVID-19 list. Teammates Brandon Aiyuk, Trent Williams and Deebo Samuel were also forced to miss last Thursday night’s game against Green Bay because they were determined to be “high-risk” close contacts.

The four players were then activated Friday when Bourne passed two COVID-19 tests. Bourne then tested positive again and was placed back on the list Monday but could return this week.

“It’s what you’ve heard. I mean, positive, negative, negative, positive, negative,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “Those things happen I guess, and we’re all just dealing with it. I know it’s a weird situation with him. It kind of is weird though, with everybody in the world, not just our football players. So, we’re just trying to do the best with the protocols and hope that he gets cleared up to where it’s always negative and hopefully we can get him out of here later in the week.”

Shanahan was fined $100,000 and the team was docked $250,000 earlier this season because Shanahan didn’t properly wear his mask during a game.