Santa Clara County, Calif., announced Saturday that it was pausing contact sports beginning today through Dec. 21, leaving local teams to search for new places to play.
Sports Illustrated, citing NFL Network's Ian Rappaport, reported that the San Francisco 49ers will like play their final three home games at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, who appear open to the idea.
San Francisco said in a statement Saturday that the team is "aware" of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department's directive and is working with the NFL on "operational plans." It is unclear when a final decision about their future site will be reached. NFL Network also reports that a stadium located in Texas is also a possibility and that the league wants San Francisco to play in an NFL stadium if possible.
Practice options are also being weighed, with the possibility of the 49ers practicing in Glendale, Ariz., and staying in a hotel for a month.
San Francisco is scheduled to play at home Dec. 7 and 13 against the Bills and the Washington Football Team, respectively. Its third and final home game is lated for Jan. 3 against Seattle.
As of Saturday afternoon, Santa Clara county reported 760 new COVID-19 cases and 239 COVID-19-related hospitalizations — new single-day records in both categories.
