An unnamed Bears staff member — not an assistant coach or player — tested positive for the coronavirus Thursday morning, a source said, forcing the team to remain in the league’s strict protocols amid an outbreak.
After conducting meetings and interviews through Zoom on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the Bears were scheduled to hold press conferences Thursday at Halas Hall. A half-hour before they were set to begin, though, the Bears canceled the plan and decided to hold press conferences via Zoom. They were put back into the NFL’s strict protocol as a result of the positive test.
Bears head coach Matt Nagy remains out with the coronavirus after testing positive Monday. Because he’s vaccinated, he needs to test negative twice in a two-day span in order to coach against the 49ers on Sunday.
The Bears took inside linebacker Caleb Johnson off the reserve/COVID-19 list. Johnson, who is vaccinated, was put on the list Sunday before the Buccaneers game. Right tackle Elijah Wilkinson and tight end Jimmy Graham remain on the list. Graham has said he’s vaccinated. Wilkinson is not.
Injury report
After being limited in practice Wednesday with an ankle injury suffered against the Packers, returner Jakeem Grant was a full participant Thursday. Safety Tashaun Gipson [hip] and defensive lineman Akiem Hicks [groin] remained limited.
Seven 49ers — star tackle Trent Williams [ankle/elbow], safety Jaquiski Tartt [knee], linebacker Azeez Al-Shaai and defensive linemen Nick Bosa [non-injury] , Dee Ford [concussion], Javon Kinlaw [knee] and Maurice Hurst [calf] — did not practice Thursday.
