NFL Notes: Practice, 49ers, Browns, Eagles, & Panthers

Practice

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that some around the NFL believe there’s a connection between certain player injuries and the practice restrictions that stem from the CBA.

Florio’s source explained that defenses have an edge over offensive lines in the early portion of the season, along with new players, coaches, teams implementing new systems.

Of course, any changes to practice time would require the NFLPA’s approval, and they’re likely to want some form of concession from the owners.

49ers

49ers HC Jim Tomsula told reporters after a disastrous showing on Sunday Colin Kaepernick is still their starting quarterback.

“Colin is our quarterback,” Tomsula said. “I think the world of that guy. … He’s a competitive guy. Colin’s a guy that has a tendency to put it all on his back.”

Browns

According to ESPN.com, Browns QB Josh McCown injured his right hand during Sunday’s game and had X-rays taken after the game.

However, the results were reportedly negative, and he did say that his hand is feeling good.

“I don’t want to speak on it,” McCown said. “I’ll let coach [Mike Pettine] speak on it, but I feel good.”

Eagles

• ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Eagles LB Kiko Alonso is in Florida today to get a second opinion on his knee injury from Dr. James Andrews.
• Schefter adds that this diagnosis will help determine if surgery needed to repaid Alonso’s ACL.

Panthers

• According to Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer, the Panthers negotiated with CB Josh Norman before the start of the season, and offered him a multi-year deal worth an average of more than $7 million a year.
• However, Norman said in training camp he wants to be paid like one of the league’s top corners.