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The 49ers had a scare on Wednesday, when their facility shut down as a result of a positive COVID-19 test for wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. The positive test for Bourne and subsequent placement on the reserve/COVID-19 list for he and several other players was also a concern for the Seahawks, who are just days removed from facing San Francisco in Seattle—a game in which Bourne played 60-of-70 snaps.
While Pete Carroll did express concern around the 49ers’ situation during his media session later in the day, Thursday brought some reason for optimism. According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports, Bourne’s positive test is now thought to be a false positive by those close to him, after he and three others tested negative on Thursday.
It is looking as if #49ers WR Kendrick Bourne’s test from yesterday was a false positive, according to source close to him. He and three others who live with him have all tested negative. Still, he, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Trent Williams must remain on COVID-19 list today.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) November 5, 2020
However, Bourne is hardly alone among NFL players in receiving a negative test a day after a positive. In 101 of 104 instances of a positive test followed by a negative test, it’s proven to be positive upon further testing, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Update: Kendrick Bourne's test came back positive Wednesday and negative today. There have been 104 instances this season of a positive one day and a negative the next - and it has been proven positive 101 of the 104 times with further testing.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 5, 2020
The Seahawks will no doubt continue to monitor the 49ers’ situation from afar, while San Francisco must now turn their attention to Thursday Night Football and an NFC Championship game rematch against the Packers. Regardless of Bourne’s test, they’ll have to take on Green Bay without Brandon Aiyuk, Bourne, and Trent Williams, as they try to keep their playoff hopes alive.