Richie James Jr. becomes first 49ers player on reserve/COVID-19 list

The 49ers this week used the new reserve/COVID-19 list for the first time as players began reporting to their facility last week for the start of training camp.

The team on Monday announced receiver and return man Richie James Jr. has been added to the list.

Per league rules, the reserve/COVID-19 list has been created for players that either test positive for coronavirus or has been quarantined following close contact with someone who has. The team is not allowed to specify on individual cases.

James, who turns 25 in September, was expected to miss two months after fracturing a bone in his forearm in June while working out in Florida. The news of his injury came just after fellow receiver Deebo Samuel sustained a Jones fracture in his foot.

James faces a competitive battle to make the roster this summer with the addition of first-round pick Brandon Aiyuk, free agent Travis Benjamin and the returns of Trent Taylor and Jalen Hurd from foot and back injuries, respectively.

James has appeared in 29 regular season games the past two seasons after getting drafted in the seventh round in 2018. He averaged 7.5 yards as the primary punt returner in the regular season and 9.8 yards during three playoff games. James has 15 catches for 295 yards and two touchdowns on offense.

49ers quarterbacks, rookies and injured players first reported to the team’s facility for training camp last Thursday for the first two of two coronavirus tests. Players were ordered to quarantine before a second test Sunday followed by a physical on Monday.

The rest of the team will report Tuesday before their second round of tests on Friday. Full-team work inside the Santa Clara facility is expected to begin during the first week of August when daily COVID-19 testing will start.