Tech takes back seat to on-field troubles
Tablet problematic for Kelly, Kaepernick, but not as bad as for some
SANTA CLARA — Ranting about Microsoft’s unreliable sideline tablets is not a top priority for 49ers coach Chip Kelly and quarterback Colin Kaepernick, not with a five-game losing streak in tow for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
But both Kelly and Kaepernick confirmed this week that they’ve experienced problems with the Microsoft Surface tablets. They’re just not as fed up with them as New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who’s lambasted the imperfect technology for years and finally declared this week: “I’m done with the tablets.”
“There have been times when there are some glitches in them,” Kelly said. “And there are some times when it’s really sunny out that it’s tough to see the tablets.
“I haven’t had any issues where they just don’t work,” Kelly added. “Sometimes it doesn’t work perfect and you have to shake it a little bit.”
Kaepernick also said, half-jokingly, he’s had to knock the tablet on the side to get the screen to unfreeze. “That happens every once in a while and they have to reboot it,” Kaepernick told this newspaper this week.
The tablets and helmet-to-coach radio weren’t problems Sunday when Kaepernick made his first start of the season in a 4516 loss at Buffalo. “No, we didn’t really have too much of an issue there,” Kaepernick said.
Microsoft has supplied sideline tablets since 2013, but only still images may be shown during games; video was allowed during this past exhibition season.
“I don’t know if it’s because we are so close to home base but, shoot, I think the quality of our stuff has been great,” Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told the Seattle Times this week. (The Seahawks are owned by Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen.)
Belichick, in a 5-minute rant Tuesday about tablets, told reporters: “They’re just too undependable for me. I’m going to stick with (print) pictures, which several of our other coaches do, as well, because there just is not enough consistency in the performance of the tablets. I just can’t take it anymore.”
Microsoft responded with a statement: “We respect Coach Belichick’s decision, but stand behind the reliability of Surface. We continue to receive positive feedback on having Surface devices on the sidelines from coaches, players and team personnel across the league. In the instances where sideline issues are reported in NFL games, we work closely with the NFL to quickly address and resolve.”
The NFL, which owns and maintains the sideline technology equipment, issued its own statement defending Microsoft as “an integral, strategic partner” that has enhanced sideline communication “to an alltime high.”
Running back Carlos n Hyde officially got ruled out and three other starters, including wide receiver Torrey Smith, are questionable to play Sunday when the 49ers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Hyde’s workload likely will be shared by Shaun Draughn and Mike Davis, with DuJuan Harris possibly being promoted from the practice squad Saturday.
Smith, who’s never missed a game in his sixyear career, was limited by a back issue Friday for the second straight practice. Cornerback Rashard Robinson has yet to gain full medical clearance after Sunday’s concussion in Buffalo, but he practiced again in a limited fashion Friday. Robinson is questionable, as is defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey (knee).
The Buccaneers (2-3) n declared out running back Doug Martin (hamstring) and defensive linemen Robert Ayers (ankle) and Clinton McDonald (hamstring). Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (calf) is questionable to return to the lineup, and also questionable are wide receiver Cecil Shorts (hamstring), cornerback Jude Adjei-Barimah, center Joe Hawley and tight end Luke Stocker (ankle).
An unspecified illness n kept kicker Phil Dawson from practicing Friday but he’s expected to play Sunday. Dawson and Hyde were the only 49ers who didn’t practice Friday, and Hyde expects to return from his right-shoulder injury after next week’s bye.
Defensive backs Jimmie n Ward and Jaquiski Tartt look on track to return from quadriceps injuries, and both practiced in full Friday.
Quarterback Blaine n Gabbert was a full participant in the past two practices despite a recently disclosed back issue. Coach Chip Kelly has said Gabbert will serve as Colin Kaepernick’s backup for a second consecutive game; No. 3 quarterback Christian Ponder has been inactive every game.