Kaepernick invite likely

NFL spokesman Joe Lockhart said the league expects Colin Kaepernick to be invited to the next meeting between owners and players to discuss social justice initiatives.

Lockhart added Wednesday that the meeting probably will take place next week.

The players’ union and its members decide who attends such gatherings; the league and players met last week in New York in the wake of backlash concerning player demonstrations during the national anthem.

Kaepernick, who began kneeling during the national anthem before the 2016 season and currently is out of the NFL, did not attend that meeting.

“He has been in discussion with the players coalition. I expect that he will be invited to this meeting, and we look forward to him joining the conversation . ... I don’t have any confirmation that he is planning to attend,” Lockhart said.

The NFL Players Association also did not have any such confirmation. Briefly: The Chargers agreed to trade receiver Dontrelle Inman to the Bears for a seventh-round pick, ESPN reported . ... Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, the top overall pick in the NFL draft, could miss Cleveland’s game Sunday in suburban London because of a concussion . ... Dolphins left guard Anthony Steen (foot) has been ruled out of Thursday night’s game against the Ravens . ... The Jets signed tight end Neal Sterling off the Chiefs’ practice squad and placed cornerback Xavier Coleman on injured reserve. Also, cornerback Buster Skrine (concussion) is uncertain for Sunday’s game against the Falcons . ... Lions kicker Matt Prater signed a three-year extension through 2020 . ... The Jaguars signed linebacker Telvin Smith to a four-year contract extension . ... Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (concussion) practiced in full pads, and is on pace to play Sunday against the Buccaneers.