Because they play on the same side of the ball for opposing teams, there is a chance safeties Michael Thomas and Eric Reid won't share the field at the same time Sunday.
But they still share something greater: A cause.
Reid, who is suing the NFL for collusion along with Colin Kaepernick, signed with the Panthers this week, ending what some perceived as a blackballing because he did not stand for the national anthem the last two seasons as a member of the 49ers.
Kaepernick remains unemployed, but, unlike with the former Pro Bowler Reid, an argument could be made Kaepernick is out because of his quarterback skills.