Wide receiver Richie James Jr. is the first 49ers player to land on the NFL’s COVID-19 reserve list.
James, the 49ers’ return specialist last year, broke his right wrist last month, so the hurdles are stacking up in his quest to make the roster for a third season.
James is one of 18 players listed on the NFL transaction wire Monday for going on the reserve/COVID-19 list. It does not necessarily mean he tested positive upon reporting last week to the facility for training camp, as he could have been exposed to someone infected.
Teams are prohibited from disclosing whether a player is in quarantine or is positive for COVID-19.
James’ job comes with tougher competition this year, both in the receiving and return-specialist duties. First-round pick Brandon Aiyuk is one who will challenge there, along with 2018 second-round pick Dante Pettis.
James averaged 8 yards on 33 punt returns and 21.4 yards on 20 kick returns last regular season. He’s totaled 15 career receptions (295 yards, two touchdowns) since joining the 49ers as a seventh-round draft pick.
Last season, whenever the 49ers kneeled to finish out a victory, James did a celebratory backflip in the backfield.
