NFL Notes: Sideline Video, 49ers, Chargers, Patriots & Texans

Sideline Video

• Jason La Canfora reports that the NFL is still hopeful of enhancing sideline tablets despite previous pushback from NFL coaches.
• However, notable coaches including Bill Belichick, Ron Rivera and Bruce Arians have taken issue with the league allow playback of game-day video. The coaches mentioned that having this video available right after drives “provided too much information in real time and in some ways cheapened the midweek preparation they did,” according to La Canfora.
• Although, La Canfora says that some younger coaches are much more comfortable with having video available after each possession.

49ers

• Even after the report that Colin Kaepernick could return to the 49ers after voiding his contract next year (NFLTR), Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes that Kaepernick’s future with the team could be impacted by potential changes to the front office and/or coaching staff.
• Florio says that there’s a “growing belief” that 49ers GM Trent Baalke won’t be back with the team next year. With Baalke out, it’s possible San Francisco could also move on from HC Chip Kelly and completely start over.
• There’s also the possibility that his national anthem protest could factor into the team’s decision to re-sign Kaepernick.

Chargers

• Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Chargers owner Dean Spanos has a meeting scheduled this week with the mayor of San Diego and other business leaders.
• As of now, Spanos is still gathering information before deciding whether to join the Rams in Los Angeles.
• Rapoport says that Spanos hasn’t made a decision regarding a move to L.A. but it would still take a strong proposal to avert a move to Los Angeles.

Patriots

• According to Mike Reiss, as long as Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski returns to full health next year, there’s little reason to doubt he’ll be back in New England. Reiss mentions that Gronkowski is still one of the best bargains in the NFL based on his contract.
• Reiss adds that Gronkowski’s future with the Patriots may not come into question until 2018 or 2019 when his cap figure increases to $11 million and $12 million.
• Reiss reports that the Patriots voluntarily increased the salaries of practice squad G Chris Barker ($15,000 from $10,000) and WR DeAndrew White ($10,000 from $6,900) this week.

Texans

• Tracy Wolfson reports that Texans QB Tom Savage was scratched from today’s game because he woke up with an infection on the elbow of his throwing arm and is currently in the hospital.
• Ian Rapoport adds that Savage’s infection is on his elbow and not inside. Savage and the Texans are being proactive about the situation.