LDN - Sports

49ers, Kaepernick reportedly discussing restructuring contract

[October 08, 2016] By David Del Grande, The Sports Xchange

SANTA CLARA, Calif. --As coach Chip Kelly was assuring Colin Kaepernick's contract situation was not a factor in determining his playing time, or lack thereof, the NFL Network was reporting Friday that the 49ers are close to agreeing to a contract restructuring with the former Super Bowl starter.

As was the case earlier this year, the 49ers are contractually obligated to guarantee Kaepernick's $14.5 million for next season by April 1 or release him from his contract.

The problem is: That money would be guaranteed if Kaepernick were injured at the deadline, as he was following three offseason surgeries after the 2015 season.

The 49ers reportedly would like to erase the injury factor from the equation. In return, Kaepernick reportedly is asking for an opt-out of his own on April 1, which would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent at his choosing, not just the team's.

Kaepernick still has four years remaining on his $115 million deal.

--Having allowed a running back to rush for more than 100 yards for a fourth consecutive game, 49ers coach Chip Kelly assured at his Friday press conference that the club had as many negatives defensively as offensively in Thursday's 33-21 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

"We're not happy," he said of the defensive effort, which included Cardinals running back David Johnson's 157-yard, two-touchdown rushing performance. "It starts with our run defense. We need to shore that up.

"We did an outstanding job on one of the top backs in the league in Todd Gurley in the opening game (against the Los Angeles Rams). And then after that in the next games we played, we have not done a good job in the run defense, and that's what starts everything in this league. If you can run the football, then things become a little bit easier."

--The 49ers suffered no significant injuries during the game, with just backups Tank Carradine (toe) and Chris Davis (knee) having to leave the game. But then again, they don't have all that many significant players, and four already were out of action.

Inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (Achilles) won't be returning this season, but the 49ers are counting upon defensive end DeForest Buckner (sprained foot) and tight end Vance McDonald (bruised hip) using the extra time between games to be ready for the trip to Buffalo.

The biggest question mark remains cornerback Jimmie Ward (quad strain).

--QB Blaine Gabbert admitted he didn't play well in the 49ers' loss Thursday to Arizona. He was sacked seven times, including once for a safety, but wasn't under pressure on either of his critical interceptions in 49ers' territory.

--RB Carlos Hyde recorded his sixth rushing touchdown of the season in the 49ers' loss Thursday to Arizona. Hyde now has TD's in three straight games, a career-first. The last 49er to rush for a score in three consecutive games was Frank Gore in December of 2011.

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--G Joshua Garnett played a season-high 18 snaps as a substitute to G Andrew Tiller in Thursday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The 49ers allowed a season-high seven quarterback sacks in the game

--WR Jeremy Kerley recorded the second 100-yard receiving game of his career when he hauled in eight passes for 102 yards in Thursday's loss to Arizona. Kerley had a 120-yard game for the New York Jets against New England on Oct. 21, 2012. Kerley also caught a touchdown pass for the second straight game, the 11th of his career. Kerley, who had entered the game a bit questionable with an ankle issue, played all 78 offensive snaps.

--TE Vance McDonald (hip) sat out his second consecutive game Thursday against Arizona. The 49ers are hoping to get their starting tight end back for their next game at Buffalo.

--DE DeForest Buckner (foot) was held out of Thursday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. The injury is not considered serious, and the rookie is expected to return to practice in advance of the 49ers' next game at Buffalo.

--DE Glenn Dorsey (knee) was held out of Thursday's game against the Arizona Cardinals as a precaution because of the short recovery time between games. Dorsey is expected to return to practice when the squad reconvenes on Tuesday.

--ILB NaVorro Bowman (Achilles tendon) was formally placed on injured reserve on Thursday. He is out for the season.

--ILB Nick Bellore made his first NFL start in NaVorro Bowman's place and played all 68 defensive snaps in Thursday's loss to Arizona. Bellore led the team with nine tackles and combined with fellow inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite on the club's only sack of the night.

--OLB Aaron Lynch returned from a four-game suspension and was in on 35 of 68 defensive snaps in Thursday's loss to Arizona. Lynch's snap count was the highest among 49ers outside linebackers.

--OLB Tank Carradine (toe) suffered a toe injury in Thursday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Carradine had an MRI on Friday; the results were not announced.

--CB Jimmie Ward (quad) missed his second consecutive game Thursday against Arizona. The 49ers hope to get Ward back at practice next week before their game against Buffalo.

--CB Rashard Robinson started in place of injured Jimmie Ward in Thursday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Robinson was in on all 68 defensive snaps.

--P Bradley Pinion averaged 49.9 yards on his seven punts in Thursday's loss to Arizona. Pinion recorded a 46.3-yard net average on his kicks.

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