Julian

Peterson

Expect the 49ers to put their franchise player on injured reserve shortly. This could hasten Peterson’s willingness to get a long-term contract resolved, if he wants to stay in San Francisco.

The 49ers season continues to get worse.

The 49ers did not know if the report was true, but obviously would love to see their defensive leader back on the field.

Peterson is not attending minicamp this week because of the dispute. “We’re fully expecting Julian to play on the tender. That’s really where we are,” GM Tom Donahue said.

Expect a long holdout. San Francisco offered to make Peterson the second highest paid LB in football and weren’t even close. It’s expected that Peterson would return in time for week one.

“I think that in the worst-case scenario, I’ll have to sign the franchise tag,” Peterson said. At worst, he’d probably return just before the regular season.

Called a ''freak’’ by his teammates, Peterson will be motivated to explode in this contract year. Coach Mike Nolan compared him to Ray Lewis and Lawrence Taylor, showing the kind of expectations they have for Peterson this season.

``There hasn’t been any problems with the Achilles,’' Peterson said. ``It hasn’t been sore or strained. [Coach Mike Nolan’s] seen me out there and I’m not showing any signs of injuries or setbacks, so I guess he feels comfortable enough to throw me out there.’'

Peterson, who went down in Week 5 with a ruptured Achilles’ tendon, has undergone rigorous contact work in training camp. He should be an all-around stud in IDP leagues once again.

Leroy Hill and middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu are the ‘Hawks’ other two starters. All three have solid IDP potential.