SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- San Francisco 49ers coach Chip Kelly said Thursday that Colin Kaepernick's protest during the national anthem is bringing attention to an issue that needs addressing.
"You look at what's gone on in Tulsa and Charlotte the last two nights, it's an issue that's at the forefront of our country," Kelly said. "It needs to be addressed, it needs to be taken care of. Because what's going on is not right. So, I think, again, (Kaepernick) is shedding light on the situation that is heinous and shouldn't happen in this country. We all have inalienable rights as a citizen of this country. They're being violated and that's what I think Colin is standing up for."
Despite Kaepernick's position at the center of the broadening protest, Kelly said the quarterback hasn't had problems handling his responsibilities as the backup to starter Blaine Gabbert.
"He's at every meeting. He's done everything," Kelly said. "He understands what his job is and he's balanced it really well. I think he's managed it really well. He's focused, he's dialed in when we're at practice, he's dialed in when we're in meetings."
Panthers: NFL monitoring protests in Charlotte before Sunday's game
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The NFL said its plans are for Sunday's game between the Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers to be played as scheduled, although the league will continue to monitor the ongoing violent protests that have gripped Charlotte.
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Gov. Pat McCrory declared a state of emergency in Charlotte on Wednesday night and has sent the National Guard in to help restore peace.
"We are planning to play the game as scheduled on Sunday," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in an email to The Associated Press on Thursday. "We are monitoring events in Charlotte and have been in communication with local officials and authorities, and both the Carolina Panthers and the Minnesota Vikings."
Panthers president Danny Morrison said in a statement earlier Thursday that the team is "in contact with government officials, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the NFL. We are continuing to monitor events as we prepare for Sunday's home game."
Browns: Coleman to miss at least six weeks
CLEVELAND -- Rookie wide receiver Corey Coleman does not need surgery on his broken hand, a small but sorely needed positive for the Browns.
Coleman, who scored two touchdowns last weekend, will miss at least one month after breaking his hand during practice on Wednesday, the latest setback to a team reeling from injuries to two starting quarterbacks in the season's first two weeks.
Coleman banged his hand on a defender while making a catch during practice. He stayed on the field for the entire workout before undergoing an X-ray following practice.
His injury is the latest misfortune for the young Browns, who already have lost four other starters, including quarterbacks Josh McCown and Robert Griffin III, and will start rookie QB Cody Kessler this week against Miami.
Buccaneers: Martin out at least three weeks
TAMPA, Fla. -- Martin injured his right hamstring during the first half of last week's 40-7 loss at Arizona. He's expected to be sidelined at least three weeks.
In his absence, backups Charles Sims and Jacquizz Rodgers, who's only been with the team for a week, figure to assume a heavier workload.
Sims accounted for 1,090 all-purpose yards in 2015, but mainly has been a situational, change-of-pace back.
Martin was the NFL's second-leading rusher behind Adrian Peterson a year ago, when he ran for 1,402 yards and six touchdowns. Meanwhile, Sims rushed for 529 yards and gained another 561 yards on 51 receptions to give the Bucs a nice one-two tandem. (see full story)
