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Kaepernick throws for six NFL team reps

RIVERDALE, Ga. — Colin Kaepernick threw passes for about 40 minutes on a high school field, then signed autographs for hundreds of fans who gathered in an end zone to watch his NFL workout that was suddenly moved Saturday, the latest strange twist in the saga for the exiled quarterback.

About six team representatives made it to the new location, including Philadelphia Eagles vice president of football operations Andrew Berry. It appeared the Jets, Redskins and Chiefs also had someone in attendance.

Just 15 minutes before Kaepernick was scheduled to work out for 25 NFL teams at the Atlanta Falcons’ training complex in Flowery Branch, his representatives announced the session had been moved 60 miles away to a high school in Riverdale. The stunning move seemed to catch everyone off-guard and came about an hour before the rescheduled workout was set to begin, putting many in scramble mode.

Kaepernick threw passes to free agent receivers Bruce Ellington, Brice Butler, Jordan Veasy and Ari Werts.

Kaepernick’s representatives said they called the audible to let the media watch and videotape the workout, adding the shift was prompted “because of recent decisions made by the NFL.”

“From the outset, Mr. Kaepernick requested a legitimate process and from the outset the NFL league office has not provided one,” his representatives said in a statement.

In a statement, the NFL said it was “disappointed that Colin did not appear for his workout.” The league referenced recent negotiations with Kaepernick’s representatives over the workout and citing, among others, media availability and a liability waiver.

“Colin’s decision has no effect on his status in the league. He remains an unrestricted free agent eligible to sign with any club,” the NFL said.

Bears’ Burton on IR

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Chicago Bears have placed tight end Trey Burton on injured reserve.

The 28-year-old Burton has been dealing with a groin injury all season long. He hurt his calf during last weekend’s 20-13 victory over the Detroit Lions.

Burton agreed to a $32 million, four-year contract with Chicago in free agency in March 2018. He set career highs with 54 receptions for 569 yards and six touchdowns in his first season with the Bears.

But he hasn’t been able to get healthy since he missed the Bears’ playoff loss to Philadelphia due to groin tightness. He had sports hernia surgery in the offseason and was brought along slowly during training camp.

Cardinals extend Williams

TEMPE, Ariz. — The Arizona Cardinals have signed tight end Maxx Williams to a two-year extension that runs through the 2021 season.

The team announced the extension on Saturday. Terms weren’t disclosed.

The 6-foot-4, 252-pound Williams was signed by the Cardinals during the offseason after he spent his first four NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. He’s appeared in all 10 games this year, including five starts, and has 11 catches for 139 yards and a touchdown.

Jets place Kalil on IR

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets have placed center Ryan Kalil on season-ending injured reserve with a knee injury.

Kalil came out of retirement in August to sign a one-year, $8.5 million contract with New York after playing all 12 of his previous NFL seasons with Carolina. The hope was the 34-year-old center would help stabilize the Jets’ shaky offensive line, but it didn’t work out.

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