49ers coach says Colin Kaepernick’s protest highlights a subject that needs to be addressed

San Francisco 49ers Coach Chip Kelly said Thursday that Colin Kaepernick’s protest during the national anthem is bringing attention to an issue that needs addressing.

“You look at what’s gone on in Tulsa and Charlotte the last two nights, it’s an issue that’s at the forefront of our country,” Kelly said. “It needs to be addressed, it needs to be taken care of. Because what’s going on is not right. So, I think, again, (Kaepernick) is shedding light on the situation that is heinous and shouldn’t happen in this country. We all have inalienable rights as a citizen of this country. They’re being violated and that’s what I think Colin is standing up for.”

The 49ers’ backup quarterback became a polarizing figure when his protest became public following a preseason game against the Packers on Aug. 26, when he sat on the bench during the national anthem in protest of racial oppression and police brutality.

Kaepernick has since begun kneeling during the anthem instead of sitting and has been joined by several other NFL players and scores of high school and college players who have picked up the cause. Kaepernick has also pledged to donate $1 million to organizations supporting his cause of racial equality.

Despite Kaepernick’s position at the center of the broadening protest, Kelly said the quarterback hasn’t had problems handling his responsibilities as the backup to starter Blaine Gabbert.

“He’s at every meeting. He’s done everything,” Kelly said. “He understands what his job is and he’s balanced it really well. I think he’s managed it really well. He’s focused, he’s dialed in when we’re at practice, he’s dialed in when we’re in meetings.”

Luck returns to practice

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck returned to practice Thursday but did limited work and did not throw during the open portion of practice.

Still, the appearance alleviated some of the concerns that popped up after he missed Wednesday’s workout with a sore throwing shoulder.

Neither Luck nor Coach Chuck Pagano took questions Thursday. Offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski said he expected Luck to play Sunday against San Diego (1-1).

Etc.

The Chicago Bears have promoted quarterback Matt Barkley to the active roster and placed linebacker Lamarr Houston on injured reserve. Barkley, the former USC star, figures to back up Brian Hoyer at Dallas on Sunday night after starter Jay Cutler sprained his right thumb in Monday’s loss to Philadelphia. Alshon Jeffery sat out practice because of a knee injury, meaning the Bears also could be without their No. 1 option at wide receiver against the Cowboys. …

New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker returned to practice on a limited basis after sitting out with a sore shoulder, while Brandon Marshall was out for a second consecutive day because of knee and foot ailments. Decker says Thursday that he’ll “be ready to go” against the Chiefs on Sunday in Kansas City. Marshall appears to be more of an uncertainty and could be a game-time decision. The Jets waived fullback Julian Howsare, leaving the team without a fullback on its roster. … Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver Corey Coleman does not need surgery on his broken hand. Coleman, who scored two touchdowns last weekend, will miss at least one month after breaking his hand during practice on Wednesday. …

The Jacksonville Jaguars could be without starting center Brandon Linder against Baltimore on Sunday because of a sprained knee, a potentially huge setback for a team that also could be missing left tackle Kelvin Beachum. Linder tweaked his right knee in practice Wednesday. Neither Linder nor Beachum, who remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol, practiced Thursday. … The Tennessee Titans have added defensive back Curtis Riley to their active roster and have officially placed guard Chance Warmack on injured reserve.