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SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick admitted this week to getting death threats over his perceived lack of respect for the National Anthem. It comes with the territory, an unfazed Kaepernick noted.
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"To me, if something like that were to happen, you've proved my point and it'll be loud and clear to everyone why it happened," he said. "And that would move this movement forward at a greater speed than what it is even now.
"Granted, it's not how I want it to happen, but that's the realization of what could happen. I knew there were other things that came along with this when I first stood up and spoke about it. It's not something I haven't thought about."
Five teammates -- linebacker Eli Harold, cornerback Rashard Robinson and safeties Eric Reid, Antoine Bethea and Jaquiski Tartt -- have joined with Kaepernick in his pregame demonstration.
--The 49ers lost a key member of their defense when inside linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong was played on the season-ending Injured Reserve list because of a torn pectoral suffered in the Week 2 loss to Carolina.
Armstrong, who shared time with Gerald Hodges and was considered the club's best pass defender among the inside linebackers, already had recorded a fumble recovery and interception this season.
"Feel bad for him," 49ers coach Chip Kelly said. "He was playing well for us."
Losing Armstrong had a trickle-down effect on the 49ers' depth chart at inside linebacker.
Looking toward Sunday's visit to Seattle, backup Michael Wilhoite is expected to get a majority of Armstrong's playing time; Shayne Skov was promoted from the practice squad to help out on special teams; and Curtis Grant was signed to the practice squad.
Notes: Offensive lineman Anthony Davis has not practiced this week as he goes through the NFL's concussion protocol. He is unlikely to make the trip to Seattle. . . . .Inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman's career-best for tackles (19) came in a game at Seattle on Dec. 23, 2012.
