The first member of the 49ers has been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Wide receiver Richie James Jr. was put on the list Monday, although it doesn’t guarantee he tested positive for the virus.
Matt Barrows of the Athletic noted on Twitter that James could’ve tested negative, but simply had exposure to a person known to have COVID-19.
James was tested as part of the 49ers’ initial wave of testing. He broke his wrist during the offseason so he reported Thursday with the injured players, quarterbacks and rookies. He is one of 24 players across the NFL to land on the COVID-19 list. Most of the league’s veterans are set to report for testing Tuesday, July 28.
The league will test daily for two weeks, and then adjust testing protocols based on the percentage of positive tests. Players who go on the COVID-19 list will go into quarantine stay there until they’re healthy and no longer at risk of spreading the virus.
James was already set to miss a portion of training camp with a broken wrist he suffered while working out over the offseason.
The 2018 seventh-round pick has carved out a role as kick returner for the club. James is averaging 7.5 yards per punt return and 23.4 yards per kick return. He also has 15 catches for 295 yards and two receiving touchdowns.