NFL Notes: Jim Harbaugh, Michael Sam, Cardinals, & Texans

Jim Harbaugh

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that there is “a strong sense in league circles” that the 49ers’ front office is looking forward to the day HC Jim Harbaugh leaves for good.

In the event that San Francisco does part ways with Harbaugh, Florio mentions that many league insiders believe DL coach Jim Tomsula will have the inside track to succeed Harbaugh.

Florio suggests that the team could consider parting ways with Harbaugh during the season or wait until next year to possibly draft him for draft compensation.

As of now, the 49ers have some work to do to get back into the playoff picture followingThursday night’s loss to the Seahawks.

After the game, 49ers owner apologized for what he referred to as an unacceptable performance.

Thank you #49ersfaithful for coming out strong tonight. This performance wasn’t acceptable. I apologize for that

— Jed York (@JedYork) November 28, 2014

Michael Sam

• Montreal Alouettes GM Jim Popp mentioned that free agent DE Michael Sam was close to joining the team for the remaining three weeks of the CFL season. (David Naylor)

Cardinals

• WR Larry Fitzgerald (knee) said he’s “highly likely” to play Week 13 against the Falcons. (Kent Somers)

Texans

Texans OLB Jadeveon Clowney referred to is chances of playing in Week 13’s game as being “slim.”

“My knee swelled up on me a little bit, and I’m trying to get it back to the way it was before,” Clowney said, via John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. “It’s bothering me a lot right now. I’m in a lot of pain. It’s been bothering me off and on the whole season.

“It’s the kind of thing if I can go, I’ll go. If I can’t, I won’t. I told them (trainers, doctors and coaches) how I feel, and it’s up to them.”