Bridgewater expects to return this season
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Teddy Bridgewater says he “definitely” believes he’ll play for the Vikings this season, after returning to practice for the first time in almost 14 months.
Bridgewater spoke to reporters Thursday for the first time since the beginning of training camp. He was cleared to rejoin the team Wednesday on the field where he dislocated his left knee and tore multiple ligaments in a non-contact drill less than two weeks before the 2016 season began.
The 24-year-old quarterback said his knee was feeling fine the day after his first practice, though he wasn’t taking hits. Bridgewater will be brought along slowly.
49ers making a change at QB
The 49ers are making a change at quarterback, hoping that rookie C.J. Beathard can provide a needed spark against Dallas for a team that has opened the season with six straight losses.
Dallas will try to spoil Beathard’s starting debut when the Cowboys (2-3) visit the 49ers (0-6) on Sunday.
The Niners are hoping Beathard will be there the rest of the season after a promising performance in relief of the ineffective Brian Hoyer in last week’s 26-24 loss at Washington. Beathard led San Francisco back from a 17-0 deficit and almost a comeback.
“I don’t think it’s too big for him,” coach Kyle Shanahan said. “I think he’s used to having it and I think he’s just going to go about it like he’s gone about every other day throughout his career.”
CEO denies collusion claim
San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York doesn’t believe there’s merit to Colin Kaepernick’s claim that NFL owners collectively conspired to keep him from playing in the league, as his recent grievance alleges.
“It’s hard for me to get into any details or really share my opinion. But I don’t believe there’s base to that claim that he’s being blackballed,” York said Thursday.
Kaepernick opted out of his contract with the 49ers last winter. He was scheduled to make $14.9 million for 2017.
Kaepernick on Sunday filed a grievance against the league and its owners alleging he remains unsigned as a result of owners colluding against him after he kneeled during the national anthem before games last season.
Odds and ends
The Redskins have placed rookie defensive lineman Jonathan Allen on injured reserve after undergoing foot surgery. Coach Jay Gruden says there’s “absolutely” a chance Allen returns this season. … The Bills cut linebacker Tyrell Adams a day after he was claimed off waivers.