Source: 49ers push back rookies' training camp arrival date by two days

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49ers rookies were expected to report to training camp Tuesday, but their arrival has been pushed back as the NFL and Players Association continue to work out terms for health and safety protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic.

A source confirmed to NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco that rookies now will report Thursday along with quarterbacks and injured players, receive COVID-19 tests and then go home to quarantine before taking a second test a few days later.

Players will get tested upon arrival and then await their results. NFL Media's Tom Pelissero reported Monday that the NFL and NFLPA had come to an agreement on daily testing for COVID-19 through the first two weeks of training camp. Players will need to return multiple negative tests in order to enter the building for physicals or team activities.

The NFL was the only sports league with the benefit of time when it comes to the pandemic. But as of Sunday, the league had not supplied the union with sufficient plans for a safe return to play. This led to a number of players including 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman and tight end George Kittle taking to social media with #WeWantToPlay.

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As negotiations continue, the two sides still have to come to an agreement on the number of preseason games or if they will scrap the exhibition slate altogether.

While some teams are expected to try and host fans in a limited capacity, a number of teams -- the 49ers among them -- likely will play the 2020 season in empty stadiums. Raiders owner Mark Davis has said it looks like they will not host fans and he also will not attend if fans cannot.

The negotiations will continue over the next couple of weeks, but the agreement on testing is a good sign as the two sides have cleared the first of many hurdles in a plan to return to play.

[49ERS INSIDER PODCAST: Listen to the latest episode]

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