NFL Notes: HC On Hot Seat, 49ers, Colts, Giants, & Panthers

HC On Hot Seat

ESPN’s Adam Caplan (Insider) takes a look at NFL coaches who could be on the hot seat at the half-way point in the year.

• Caplan considers Colts HC Chuck Pagano, Browns HC Mike Pettine, and Lions HC Jim Caldwell to be the most likely coaches to be fired, barring improvement.
• Caplan believes Chargers HC Mike McCoy‘s seat is warm right now.
• Coaches who would appear to be on the hot seat, but are “colder than you think” include Redskins HC Jay Gruden, Jaguars HC Gus Bradley, and Rams HC Jeff Fisher.

49ers

• According to Rand Getlin, there’s a “strong sense” from people around 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick who get the sense that the decision to bench him was influenced by the front office.
• Adam Caplan reports that the 49ers are expected to sign CB Chris Davis to their practice squad.
• The 49ers won’t be signing veteran RB Ben Tate to a contract, despite the fact that he worked out for the team on Tuesday. (Eric Branch)

Colts

• Colts signed G Ben Heenan to their practice squad.
• Colts released OL David Arkin from their practice squad.

Giants

• Giants signed TE Matt LaCosse to their practice squad.

Panthers

Panthers HC Ron Rivera said that current Ravens WR Steve Smith has earned the opportunity to retire as a member of the Panthers.

“As a Panther? Eventually? Yeah, when he gets an opportunity,” Rivera said Tuesday when asked if he wanted to see Smith end his career as a Panther, via Bill Voth of BlackandBlueReview.com. “He deserves it. He’s earned that opportunity.“