49ers may look to make changes
Coach Jim Tomsula will evaluate the 49ers position by position and consider depth-chart changes — though his assistant coaches are not in jeopardy for now with the team struggling in all phases.
And Colin Kaepernick is still the quarterback after another embarrassing flop against the rival Seahawks.
“Colin’s our quarterback today,” Tomsula said. “No controversies.”
In another tough one for the 49ers, safety Antoine Bethea was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a shoulder injury suffered in Thursday night’s 20-3 loss to the Seahawks.
The 49ers fell to 2-5 with their fourth straight loss to the Seahawks and sixth in seven meetings, including the playoffs. The 49ers have been held to single digits in the last three defeats in a suddenly one-sided rivalry while being outscored 56-13.
Kaepernick was sacked six times and fell to 1-6 in starts against the Seahawks with three touchdown passes, nine interceptions and 24 sacks.
“They are talented and we didn’t match that intensity,” he said. “They played better than us. That’s the bottom line.”
Manziel still in place:
Johnny Manziel is expected to remain the Browns’ backup quarterback as the NFL investigates whether he violated its personal conduct pol-icy.
Manziel was questioned Oct. 12 by police in Avon, Ohio, after he and girlfriend Colleen Crowley argued while the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner drove on a highway. Crowley told police that Man- ziel hit her several times.
Manziel denied striking Crowley, was not arrested and the couple was allowed to leave together. Manziel could be facing a fine, suspension or potential banishment if the league finds he broke provisions in its conduct pol-icy.
A league spokesman said there was no update on its investigation.
Browns coach Mike Pettine said Manziel will “more than likely” back up Josh McCown on Sunday when the team visits the Rams. The Browns made Manziel active for their last game against the Broncos despite the incident.
Steelers turn to Jones:
All signs point to Landry Jones making his first NFL start when the Steelers visit the Chiefs on Sunday.
“He got all the reps today,” left guard Ramon Foster said after practice. “I think Ben (Roethlisberger) will be in a phone booth just waiting to participate if called upon.”
The Steelers left the door open for Roethlisberger to play by officially listing him as questionable. He has missed the last three games with a knee sprain and bone bruise. Backup Mike Vick will miss the game with a hamstring injury.
Extra points: Titans QB Marcus Mariota will not play against the Falcons as he recovers from a sprained MCL in his left knee. Zach Mettenberger will start. ... Dolphins DE Olivier Vernon was fined $37,363 by the NFL for two hits on Mariota that drew roughing-the-passer penalties. ... LB DeAndre Levy and TE Brandon Pettigrew will miss the Lions’ game against the Vikings. The Lions also released DT Ishmaa’ily Kitchen.