San Francisco 49ers

Glazer: Kaepernick's time with 49ers may not be over just yet

Published Nov. 22, 2015 12:21 p.m. ET

James Parziale

With Colin Kaepernick being placed on injured reserve, there is speculation his tenure with the 49ers may be over.

But according to FOX Sports NFL Insider Jay Glazer, Kaepernick's future will be determined by who the 49ers' coaching staff will be. If current head coach Jim Tomsula is replaced, a new head coach may determine that he wants to keep Kaepernick.

"If there is someone else who comes in, maybe they fall in love with Colin Kaepernick," Glazer said.

Kaepernick is going to have season-ending surgery for a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. Kapernick led the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2012 after replacing Alex Smith, but his numbers have declined each year he's been a full-time starter since.

Glazer paralleled the scenario to the Bears bringing in John Fox, who decided that even with a huge contract, Jay Cutler would remain with the Bears. Under new offensive coordinator Adam Gase, Cutler has rejuvenated his career this season.

The decision for Kaepernick to have season-ending surgery was a mutual decision between the quarterback and the team, according to 49ers general manager Trent Baalke.

"This was something they felt from a medical standpoint it needed to be taken care of and addressed through surgery," Baalke said. "Which, obviously, if he has surgery, he's not going to be able to play. So moving him to IR is the natural move."

Baalke said he expects Kaepernick to go through offseason recovery with the team and said any belief the former starter's stint with the 49ers was over was unfounded.

"I wouldn't say that at all. I think people are reading into that. For me, where we stand right now, I wouldn't read too much into that right now," Baalke said.

Kaepernick began the week coming off the team's bye with soreness in his shoulder and brought it to the attention of the medical staff Monday. He received treatment throughout the week, and was listed a full participant in practice.

He was listed as probable Friday for Sunday's game at Seattle as the backup to promoted starter Blaine Gabbert.

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 after what so far has been a forgettable season.

Kaepernick was drafted in the second round out of Nevada in 2011 and took over the starting job from Alex Smith in November 2012, immediately showing the dynamic player he could be with his strong arm and quick legs. He had a quarterback-record 181 yards rushing in a playoff win against Green Bay on the way to the Super Bowl.

Yet that guy never came to life this season, instead making more mistakes than memorable plays. Kaepernick first injured his left shoulder in a Week 4 loss to Green Bay, Baalke said.

"It was an injury that our medical staff looked at, and treated, and he didn't seek any extra treatment," Baalke said. "But it was ongoing. It wasn't something that was all of a sudden it just required surgery."

Gabbert took over for the benched Kaepernick against Atlanta on Nov. 8 and led the team to a 17-16 win. Tomsula said Gabbert would keep the starting job at least for another game against the rival Seahawks.

But the first-year coach hadn't publicly ruled out Kaepernick returning at some point. With Kaepernick out, the 49ers promoted Dylan Thompson from the practice squad to the active roster to back up Gabbert.

"Right now is not the time to get into the particulars," Baalke said. "Right now he's no different than any other player that's been placed on IR. When that surgery takes place, then the rehab process, getting him ready for the offseason program (that's) the next step."

--With the Associated Press