Former San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Ray McDonald has been charged by a grand jury with rape of an intoxicated person.

The 30-year-old spent eight seasons with the 49ers from 2007 to 2014, before leaving to join the Chicago Bears.

However, the Bears released him when he was arrested in May, after he was charged with domestic violence and child endangerment.

McDonald's ex-49ers teammate Ahmad Brooks has also been charged with sexual battery, and could face six months in jail. The two assaults are alleged to have taken place on the same night against the same victim in December last year.

In relation to Brooks, the 49ers released a statement saying: "The organisation is aware that a misdemeanour charge has been filed against Ahmad Brooks stemming from a December 2014 matter.

"We take any charge against a member of this organisation seriously and are in communication with the NFL. Ahmad is returning home to California and will not participate in Saturday's game."

McDonald could face a maximum of eight years in prison.