Cardinals are said to be willing to accommodate 49ers at State Farm Stadium in GlendaleGETTY IMAGES
The "most likely option" for the 49ers is to play their final three home games at the Cardinals' State Farm Stadium due to local restrictions in California, according to sources cited by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The NFL "would like the 49ers to play in an NFL stadium if possible," and the Cardinals are said to be "willing to accommodate them." Another option is for the 49ers to "play at a stadium in Texas." As for practice, there are "still several options to consider." They "could practice in Arizona and stay in a hotel for a month in a pseudo bubble." Another possibility would be to "practice more than 150 miles away from their region -- allowing those with the team to see their families from time to time -- then travel to their new 'home' stadium" (NFL.com, 11/29). In S.F., Eric Branch writes the 49ers playing in Arizona was a "logical option" after the Santa Clara County’s new directives were announced Saturday. The 49ers and NFL "explored such an arrangement before training camp" when Santa Clara County was under a stay-at-home order (S.F. CHRONICLE, 11/30).
FEELING FRUSTRATED: In S.F., Ann Killion notes 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan "clearly felt blindsided by the directive." He said that the team has been a "good partner with Santa Clara County and has taken the virus seriously," so he was "disappointed that no one told the 49ers but they found out via the news and social media as his players and staff were boarding a plane." Killion notes the 49ers are the "only NFL team, at least for the moment, to be prohibited from playing at home." It is "understandable that Shanahan is frustrated," as he is "responsible for a business worth billions, one that employs hundreds and impacts all of their families and loved ones." Shanahan said, “We need a place where we can feel safe and can stay, because we can’t go to our homes. We need a practice field to play on and a stadium to play in. I’m not going to be that picky. But we need some obvious things” (S.F. CHRONICLE, 11/30).
SAN DIEGO ALSO CONSIDERED: USA TODAY's Mike Jones notes one "potential temporary home being discussed is San Diego." The city's SDCCU Stadium has "sat idle for the last four NFL seasons" after the Chargers relocated to L.A. It is "unclear how quickly the 49ers and NFL’s decision will be made" (USA TODAY, 11/30).
