49ers to Finish Season in Arizona After COVID-19 Restrictions Extended in CA

The San Francisco 49ers confirmed they will play the remainder of the 2020 season in Arizona after Santa Clara County extended its contact sports ban to Jan. 8.  

The 49ers were already slated to play in Arizona through a Dec. 26 matchup against the Cardinals but will now continue their stay through their Jan. 3 regular-season finale. Santa Clara County has banned all contact sports as part of COVID-19 restrictions in the area since Nov. 28.

Some 49ers players are having family come into Arizona this weekend so they can undergo COVID-19 testing and be able to be together during the holidays. 

"It feels like a lot of the families are coming in this weekend," general manager John Lynch said Thursday on KNBR 680-AM. "They're all going to test in when we're gone so we can see them when we get back. That will be a big lift to the guys."

The 49ers have essentially been in a loose bubble since arriving in Arizona, with players being confined to their hotel rooms. Lynch said the situation has been difficult for some players from a mental aspect.

The 49ers are set to miss the postseason in 2020, so any extension of the contact sports ban beyond Jan. 8 will not affect the team.