NFL Notes: Colin Kaepernick, 49ers, Bears, Eagles

Colin Kaepernick

NFLPA president Eric Winston says that the union is ready to help free agent QB Colin Kaepernick in whatever way they would like.

“We’ve been in contact with Colin’s representatives, and we’ve let them know that we’re there and ready to help with whatever they’d like — whether it’s just some guidance on P.R. or whatever,” Winston tell Deadspin.com. “I know they’ve chosen to lay low, and I respect that. Every player has to make a decision on how they want the union’s help, and I completely understand that, and that’s fine. The union’s always stood ready to help him in any way that we need to. We will continue to monitor that situation, we’ll continue to do anything that we can to make sure that he has another opportunity to play. At the end of the day, that’s really it. We’re not going to force ourselves on a player. He’s calling the shots, he wants what he wants, and I respect that, and that’s what we’ll do.”

Winston made it clear that he feels Kaepernick is being blackballed by the NFL.

“You definitely get that feeling [that he’s being blackballed] — obviously, that’s very hard to prove and it’s very hard to show. But, at the same time, for Christ’s sakes, you have an owner out there publicly saying, ‘I’m polling fans to decide whether I should have this guy on my team or not.’ It’s obvious that owners are scared of it, are worried about it,” Winston said.

“That’s fine. I guess that’s their business or whatever. But it kind of seems a little ridiculous to me. To act like Colin isn’t one of the top — let’s just call it 64 quarterbacks in the world right now is even more disingenuous. The fact that he’s not on a team right now, I think, kind of speaks to that. It’s kind of pretty silly.”

49ers

• The 49ers announced on Sunday they have waived rookie OL Richard Levy.

Bears

• The Chicago Bears announced that WR Markus Wheaton suffered a broken finger on his left hand.

Eagles

• Eagles OL Josh Andrews said he broke a bone in his right hand and has undergone surgery. Andrews added that he expects to be back at some point in the near future. (Jeff McLane)