Goodell said the league is considering giving players a platform during the season to highlight social issues, which have been the subject of their protests.
Reid began kneeling last year next to quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Thirty 49ers knelt with their hands over the hearts before a game in Arizona on Oct. 1 while more than 20 did so Sunday in Indianapolis.
Vice President Mike Pence left the stadium after the anthem and then issued several critical tweets about the team's protest, which further inflamed the issue.
Reid said he didn't think the league could adopt a rule at next week's meeting in New York requiring players to stand unless it is part of collective bargaining. NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith also will attend the meeting.
Smoke in the air – Air quality in Santa Clara was poor Wednesday because of the fires in the North Bay. Kyle Shanahan, however, said he did not consider curbing his team's activity.
The 49ers, Raiders, A's, Giants, San Jose Earthquakes, San Jose Sharks and the Golden State Warriors announced a collective donation of $450,000 to help the victims of those fires.
Et cetera – Both Reid (knee) and linebacker Reuben Foster (ankle) returned to practice as expected. Foster looked further along in his recovery than Reid, who has a brace on his knee. Shanahan was noncommittal as to whether either would play Sunday, saying he wanted to see them in action this week before deciding.
▪ Tackle Joe Staley, linebacker NaVorro Bowman and receiver Pierre Garcon were given veteran rest days. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk did not practice with a back issue. Ten players, including cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (concussion), were limited in practice. Witherspoon wore a blue, no-contact jersey.
▪ The 49ers released Noble Nwachukwu from the practice squad and replaced him with another rookie defensive lineman, Jeremy Liggins. There was some thought the 49ers might add safety Lorenzo Jerome to the practice squad after he was waived Monday. Shanahan said there's a possibility Jerome returns at some point. "I'm not totally writing him off at all," he said.