NFL notes: Seahawks planning 'display of unity' before Sunday's game

The National Football League's 2016 season gets underway tonight, with the Carolina Panthers travelling to Denver to take on the defending champs and new-look Broncos, led by quarterback Trevor Siemian. 

Here are some other happenings around the NFL ahead of tonight's opener:

Seahawks planning 'demonstration of unity'

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin tweeted Thursday that the team "will honour the country and flag" in a "demonstration of unity" prior to Sunday's season opener against Miami.

When approached in the locker room by reporters, Baldwin declined to elaborate further saying, "you'll see on Sunday."

Former Green Beret and one-time Seahawks long-snapper Nate Boyer later tweeted that he had spoken with the Seahawks players about their plans.

In an interview with Fox Sports Radio later Thursday, Boyer elaborated on what the demonstration might entail.

"I spoke with the players, and they realize that 9/11 is a very important day in our nation's history. The Seahawks, and probably every team, will be honouring those who serve in camouflage, and also those in blue who served on such a difficult day," Boyer said. "Shortly after 9/11 our country seemed more unified than I had ever experienced, and was the most unified it has been since I have been alive. Since that date, we have grown farther apart in our unity. Standing together this Sunday is key to making progress. What the team will do is a powerful sign of unification."

49ers owner donates $1M to Kaepernick cause

San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York pledged $1 million to improving racial and economic inequality and building a stronger relationship between law enforcement authorities and the communities they serve.

York announced the donation Thursday, following quarterback Colin Kaepernick's pledge to give $1 million to help underserved communities. Kaepernick announced his pledge last week after he refused to stand for the national anthem in protest of racial oppression and police brutality in the United States.

York said the Niners will partner with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation and the San Francisco Foundation in this effort. He says both organizations have "proven track records" of affecting change.

Gronkowski's status uncertain ahead of Week 1

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski said his status for week one will be a coach's decision, making it unclear if he will play. 

"It boils down to a coaching decision, the medical team, and myself," Gronkowski said. "We'll all get together and collaborate and see where I'm at."

Gronkowski suffered a hamstring injury three weeks ago, and if he does suit up, it's unclear how much he will play against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday night.

Bridgewater undergoing surgery

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has undergone surgery on his severely injured left knee, the first step toward what will undoubtedly be a long, arduous recovery.

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer confirmed the operation took place Thursday, nine days after Bridgewater went down in practice while dropping back to pass during a routine non-contact drill.

Zimmer said he spoke to Bridgewater's surgeon after the procedure and learned no major problems were encountered beyond the knee dislocation and complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament. The Vikings said after the injury that Bridgewater also suffered other significant damage.

The 23-year-old will miss the 2016 season, and the nature and timing of the injury will make it difficult for Bridgewater to be at full strength for 2017, too.

Odrick placed in NFL's concussion protocol

The Jacksonville Jaguars have placed defensive end Jared Odrick in the NFL's concussion protocol after he was hit in the jaw in practice.

The team says Odrick was removed from practice Wednesday following the hit. And after subsequent evaluation by the team's medical staff, Odrick was deemed to have possibly sustained a concussion.

"He got a hit to the jaw or blow to the jaw, so we just took him out after that play," coach Gus Bradley said. "We'll see. It keeps getting evaluated, but everything looks and the signs say it's good."

Odrick did not practice Thursday and will need to complete several concussion-protocol steps before returning to practice or playing in a game. The Jaguars open the season Sunday against Green Bay.

If Odrick doesn't get cleared before then, veteran Tyson Alualu likely would replace him in the starting lineup.