Report: Colin Kaepernick medically cleared for 49ers training camp
Let the quarterback competition begin in San Francisco 49ers camp. Colin Kaepernick is medically cleared to practice following offseason shoulder surgery, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Kaepernick, 28, played in only nine games in an injury-filled 2015 season, throwing for 1,615 yards and six TDs and rushing for 256 yards and a score. It was a far cry from his previous three seasons when he was among the league’s most promising dual threats at the position and helped lead the 49ers to the Super Bowl in the 2012 season and the NFC title game in the 2013 season.
When Kaepernick was injured, Blaine Gabbert took advantage of the opportunity. The former 2011 first-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars threw for 2,031 yards and 10 TDs in eight games as the 49ers starter.
An offseason of drama followed, with Kaepernick requesting a trade but ultimately staying in San Francisco. In addition to the shoulder procedure, Kaepernick also had surgery on his left knee and right thumb. As a result, he was limited in mini-camps and offseason workouts.
Now, he and Gabbert will compete for the starting job in new head coach Chip Kelly’s offense. The 49ers' first training camp practice is scheduled for Sunday.
