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It’s officially a saga. After 49ers receiver Kendrick Bourne tested positive for COVID-19, then negative twice, Bourne is back on the reserve/COVID-19 list. His placement there last week meant that wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel and left tackle Trent Williams, who were all in close contact with Bourne, had to also be placed on the list. All four players were removed from the list on Friday, and Bourne is now back on it.
In the meantime, with Bourne out, Deebo Samuel’s status not certain and Jaquiski Tartt dealing with turf toe, the 49ers made two practice squad promotions (not gameday activations) moving safety Johnathan Cyprien and wide receiver River Cracraft to the active roster.
Wide receiver Chris Finke, who was cut from the practice squad last week for defensive tackle Josiah Coatney, has been re-signed to the practice squad. There is one open practice squad spot.
On the more encouraging side of things, corner Richard Sherman, who’s had a nagging calf injury following the season opener which required an injection, has opened his practice return window. That means that at any point in the next 21 days, Sherman can return for the 49ers. This is an indication he’s close to returning, as the 49ers typically only make those moves when a player’s return is imminent.
There are now two open spots on the active roster, at least one of which will be reserved for Sherman. With Bourne out, the 49ers get an additional gameday activation from the practice squad.