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49ers Inactives: O-line coach tests positive for COVID-19, slim pickings again at nickel

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© Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports


The 49ers will be without two position coaches when they face the Washington Football Team. Earlier this week the team announced that run game specialist and outside linebackers coach Johnny Holland would not attend Sunday’s game.

And less than two hours before kickoff, the team announced it had been informed on Sunday that offensive line coach John Benton tested positive for COVID-19 and would not attend the game. Holland’s duties will be absorbed by the defensive coaching staff and Benton’s by the offensive coaching staff.

The team’s statement on Benton:

“Benton immediately went into self-quarantine and the team conducted the appropriate contact tracing as part of the NFL’s intensive COVID-19 protocol. We will continue to communicate with the League and medical professionals and take the necessary precautions in the best interest of health and safety.”

San Francisco has six players listed as inactive for Sunday:

  • WR Trent Taylor
  • CB K’Waun Williams
  • CB Emmanuel Moseley
  • RB Austin Walter
  • C Hroniss Grasu
  • DT D.J. Jones

For the second-straight week, the team will be without it’s top-three nickel options. K’Waun Williams was listed as questionable and practiced every day in limited fashion this week, but will remain out with an ankle sprain. Dontae Johnson started at the nickel spot last week and is likely to again.

The team is also without right guard Tom Compton, who went on injured reserve this week with his second concussion in three weeks. Kevin Givens will also be unavailable and was granted a roster exemption to attend the birth of his first child.

Two players were promoted (permanent move, unless cut) to the active roster:

  • DE Alex Barrett (#64)
  • CB Breian (pronounced BREE-in) Boddy-Calhoun (#47)

Two players were activated (gameday move) to the active roster:

  • DT Darrion Daniels (#65)
  • OL Dakoda Shepley (#61)

Ahkello Witherspoon is active again for the second-straight weeks after three-straight weeks as an inactive which Kyle Shanahan attributed to his low value as a special teams player.