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NFL roundup: 49ers’ finish may determine Harbaugh’s fate
San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh could get a contract extension if the team wins its final four regular season games and makes a run in the playoffs, ESPN reported Sunday.
It has been widely reported throughout the season that Harbaugh will not be back next season, but a strong finish by the team could reportedly save his job.
Harbaugh has one year left on his contract, but discussions to extend his deal in the past have not gone far.
If Harbaugh is available, the Oakland Raiders and New York Jets are among the teams expected to be interested in trading for him. Since Harbaugh still has a year left on his deal, the 49ers would seek draft compensation for him. One source told ESPN that the Raiders are the favorite to get Harbaugh.
CBS Sports reported that the 49ers may promote one of their assistants to head coach if Harbaugh is gone. Defensive line coach Jim Tomsula and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio reportedly top the list.
–Tennessee Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter will remain in a Houston-area hospital with a lacerated spleen, the team confirmed.
Hunter was injured Sunday when he was hit by Houston Texans safety Danieal Manning on an in-cutting route.
— Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger left Sunday’s game against the Texans with a right shoulder injury incurred on a hit by Houston defensive end J.J. Watt.
Mettenberger took the hit in the third quarter and did not return to the 45-21 loss to the Texans.
Jake Locker replaced Mettenberger
–The Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints are among at least four teams interested in running back Ray Rice, according to ESPN.
Rice was reinstated last week after being suspended early in the season and the Baltimore Ravens released him because of a domestic violence case.
Multiple league sources told ESPN that the Colts and Saints have expressed interest in Rice, but are not likely to pursue him. The sources would not identify the other teams interested in Rice.
It is also unlikely that Rice, who turns 28 in January, will play this season.
–New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan dislike each other so much that the team may part with at least one of them after the season, according to CBS Sports.
Payton and Ryan have had several spirited discussions on the sideline during games, including last Monday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Ryan is popular with the team but may be let go because of the declining play of the defense this season.
–Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III will not return to the team next season, according to CBS Sports.
After losing his starting job to Colt McCoy, several in the organization believe that the team will part with Griffin after the season. There has reportedly been a growing rift between Griffin and the team that is beyond repair.
It is the second time in two seasons — by two different coaches — that Griffin lost his starting job the final month of the regular season.
–Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch is considering retiring from the NFL following the end of this season, according to a report by the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The Seahawks have long been rumored to be considering parting ways with the star running back due to a combination of his $5 million salary for 2015, his age (28) and running style, and recent reports that the front office is tired of his mercurial personality. However, sources “with direct knowledge of Lynch’s thinking” told Rapoport that Lynch may beat them to the punch by retiring.
–Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine will take a day or two to decide whether it’s time to turn the offense over to rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel.
Manziel replaced an ineffective Brian Hoyer and ran for a 10-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter on his first drive Sunday. The Browns (7-5) were defeated 26-10 by the Bills and host a pair of division leaders the next two weeks.
–New England Patriots special teams player Matthew Slater agreed to a two-year extension, according to multiple reports.
The deal is reportedly worth $4 million and runs through 2016.
–Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly honored former teammate Darryl Talley by wearing his No. 56 jersey during player introductions before Sunday’s game against the visiting Cleveland Browns.
Talley, 54, told the Buffalo News last week that he suffers from depression, lost his business and has suicidal thoughts. He played for the Bills from 1982-94.
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