Overview
- KNBR and the 49ers activated Papa off the NFI list, opening a 21-day window and confirming he will call the Dec. 28 Bears game and Jan. 4 Seahawks finale at Levi’s Stadium.
- Papa will work with a PICC line delivering immunotherapy during broadcasts, a setup he described as a waist-worn pack.
- He remains in need of a bone marrow transplant, with sibling matches identified, but the procedure was delayed due to a heart condition and paused medication.
- Papa, 63, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on July 16, spent 23 days hospitalized, and returned to his KNBR midday show on Sept. 16.
- Five play-by-play substitutes rotated this season alongside analyst Tim Ryan, and Papa says he expects to handle any home playoff games if health and team schedule allow.