Jags owner gives OK to sign Kaepernick
Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan says he would be open to signing freeagent quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Speaking to the team’s flagship radio station, Khan responded “absolutely” when NFL asked Thursday whether he would support signing Kaepernick if the team’s front office wanted to do it. Khan’s comments were not recorded, just relayed via Twitter.
According to 1010 XL, Khan said that while he would not have knelt during the national anthem to protest social injustice in the United States the way Kaepernick did, the billionaire businessman respects the quarterback’s right to express his beliefs.
Tom Coughlin, the team’s executive vice president, has final say on personnel decisions. Coughlin declined comment yesterday through a team spokesman.
Kaepernick remains unsigned after opting out of his contract with the San Francisco 49ers. Many of those who support him believe the NFL is punishing the player for refusing to stand during the anthem in an effort to protest police brutality against blacks.
Kaepernick has 72 touchdown passes, 30 interceptions and 13 rushing scores in six seasons, better numbers than Jags quarterbacks Blake Bortles and Chad Henne.
KC’s Ware hurt
Kansas City running back Spencer Ware injured his right knee and was carted off the field in the first quarter of the Chiefs’ 26-13 preseason loss against the Seahawks last night in Seattle.
Kansas City coach Andy Reid said Ware will have an MRI today, but that initial Xrays on the knee were clear. It was optimistic news for what initially looked like a significant injury.
He was injured about halfway through the first quarter. He remained on the turf after making a 6-yard reception on a pass from Alex Smith. Ware appeared to take an awkward step with his right leg during the play and team trainers were looking at his knee while he was down on the field.
Russell Wilson was again brilliant for Seattle, throwing for 200 yards and a touchdown.
Murray in doubt
The Tennessee Titans don’t know whether running back DeMarco Murray will make his preseason debut tomorrow against the Chicago Bears at Nissan Stadium, as he’s still dealing with a hamstring issue.
Titans coach Mike Mularkey said that “I’ll make that decision after I watch the tape today.”
Murray returned to practice last week for the joint sessions against Carolina but didn’t appear in the Titans’ 34-27 preseason victory over the Panthers . ...
The San Francisco 49ers released outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks after eight seasons with the team.
The Niners cut Brooks because they determined he would not make the roster and wanted to give him a head start on finding a new team . . . .
Longtime general manager and personnel administrator Bobby Beathard is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the contributors category.
Beathard helped build strong teams in stops in Kansas City (1966-67), Miami (1972-77), Washington (19781988) and San Diego (199099). He also worked for the Atlanta Falcons (1968-1971).
His teams won 10 division titles, seven league or conference championships and four Super Bowls (two with Miami, two with Washington).