Sports briefs

NFL

49ers put QB Kaepernick on IR

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick was placed on season-ending injured reserve by San Francisco yesterday with a left shoulder (non-throwing arm) injury, possibly signaling an end to his time with the 49ers just three seasons after he led them to a Super Bowl. The 28-year-old Kaepernick's $11.9 million 2016 contract would become fully guaranteed for injury if he's still on the roster on April 1. Because of that, many already figured Kaepernick's time with the Niners (3-6) might be done in what so far has been a forgettable season.

TENNISNovak vs. Fed in season finale

Already having the best season of his life and with only one more match to play this year, Novak Djokovic still has a chance to make some history. The top-ranked Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-3 yesterday in the semifinals of the ATP finals at London. Another win today against Roger Federer would make Djokovic the first person to win four straight titles at the season-ending tournament for the top eight players in the world. Federer, a six-time champion, beat Stan Wawrinka 7-5, 6-3.

GOLFMcIlroy closes in on two titles

Rory McIlroy moved within one shot of leader Andy Sullivan after the third round of the World Tour Championship, which also puts him closer to the Race to Dubai title. McIlroy shot a 7-under 65 at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai to make up three shots on Sullivan (68) and go four strokes clear of Danny Willett, his closest challenger for the season-long Race to Dubai crown . . . Cristie Kerr and Ha Na Jang shared the lead going into the final round of the LPGA Tour's season-ending CME Group Tour Championship, and Lydia Ko remained in control of the biggest year-end awards and a $1 million bonus. Kerr shot a 4-under 67 to match Jang at 13 under at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida . . . Kevin Kisner shot a 6-under 64 in the RSM Classic at St. Simon's Island, Georgia to build a three-shot lead. -- AP