49ers’ Alex Boone looks forward to free agency

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Alex Boone hasn’t been thrilled with his contract, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel: In March, the 49ers’ left guard will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his six-year career.

On Wednesday, Boone was asked if it was tough not knowing where he’ll be playing next season. His response wasn’t surprising: He’s eager to test the market after failing to land a contract extension the past two seasons with the 49ers.

“I’m excited about free agency,” Boone said. “But at the same time, I’d love to hear an offer from the Niners. At the end of the day, I’ll let things work out the way they are.”

In the spring, Boone, 28, skipped the offseason workout program before reporting to the mandatory minicamp. In 2014, his contract holdout lasted until just before the regular-season opener and resulted in a reworked deal. A stipulation of the modified contract: The 49ers can’t place the franchise tag on Boone in 2016.

Boone was asked if he was open to returning to the 49ers, who have a 4-9 record entering Sunday’s game against the Bengals at Levi’s Stadium.

“Of course. This is my home,” Boone said. “These are my brothers. They’re my family. I’ll listen to anything.”

San Francisco 49ers offensive linemen Joe Staley, from left, Alex Boone and Trent Brown stretch during the team's NFL football training camp in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) San Francisco 49ers offensive linemen Joe Staley, from left, Alex Boone and Trent Brown stretch during the team's NFL football training camp in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Photo: Jeff Chiu, Associated Press Photo: Jeff Chiu, Associated Press Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close 49ers’ Alex Boone looks forward to free agency 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Boone, who was on the crutches in the locker room, is not expected to play in the final three regular-season games because of a sprained right MCL he sustained Sunday in a 24-10 loss in Cleveland.

Boone walked gingerly off the field after linebacker Paul Kruger crashed into the back of his right knee on a run by Shaun Draughn. Boone initially was writhing on the ground and said he feared he sustained a severe knee injury.

“I thought it had blown out,” he said. “That’s why I was kind of freaking out. But I was happy it was just the MCL.”

QB sighting: Just more than three weeks after he underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum, quarterback Colin Kaepernick said he is attending team meetings and his left arm will remain in a sling for another week.

Kaepernick, who is facing a four- to six-month rehabilitation, had a brief, informal chat with reporters. He said he might speak to the media later in the week.

Eric Branch is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.