49ers place linebacker Fred Warner on Reserve/COVID-19 list

This is not ideal

The San Francisco 49ers have managed the Coronavirus pandemic fairly well, but their first big blow comes a week before the season begins. Linebacker Fred Warner has been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. The 49ers made the announcement Monday morning.

Warner was limited Friday and absent for Sunday’s practice and this designation may explain his absence.

It’s important to remind everyone this does not mean Warner tested positive for COVID-19. Warner only has to come into contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus to be placed on the list. The list is a precaution to limit the spread of the virus and to keep the team as safe as possible.

Warner was seen by many as the best defensive player in camp, Nick Bosa notwithstanding. For his health, here’s hoping this is just a precautionary move and he’s not diagnosed with the virus.

Warner’s return all depends on his prognosis. There’s a minimum of five days that he will be away from the team, but that’s if he shows no symptoms. If he is symptomatic with signs in line with COVID-19, the minimum increases to 10 days.

Fred Warner aside, here’s hoping he was just in contact with someone and not symptomatic. If he tests positive, that could lead to further scrutiny to the rest of the roster. Timing of the season opener aside, COVID-19 is a virus no one, NFL player or otherwise should be in line for.