The San Francisco 49ers placed Colin Kaepernick on injured reserve on Saturday afternoon, and that raised plenty of chatter about Kap's future with the team, and all the implications related to that. One thing that has been slightly overlooked is the fact that the 49ers have a new backup quarterback!
Blaine Gabbert is making his second start of the season against the Seattle Seahawks, and if he stays healthy, he will start the 49ers remaining games. However, as we saw against Atlanta with the brief concussion check, injuries can happen, even in limited manner. And if Gabbert goes down, Dylan Thompson is currently the only option behind him. I would bet good money the 49ers have at least been in touch with some veteran quarterbacks, and we will probably hear reports of workouts on Monday or Tuesday.
In the meantime, Dylan Thompson is the team's only other full-time quarterback on the roster. Anquan Boldin played quarterback in high school and for a stretch in college, and Blake Bell played quarterback in college before switching to tight end. One of them will be the emergency quarterback, with the emphasis on emergency.
Although Thompson was an undrafted free agent, the fact that he went to a big name school like South Carolina means there are a decent amount of scouting reports on him:
NFL.com
Draft Insider
Draft Breakdown video
Rookie Scouting Portfolio
Thompson was 24 of 40 (60 percent), with 277 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. After the team's third preseason game, James Brady put together some thoughts on the rookie QB. Thompson was decent but clearly a project in the first two games, and things got worse in the third game. It is worth noting however, that Thompson finished the preseason strong against the San Diego Chargers. He played the entire game, completing 17 of 25 passes for 220 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception. The first touchdown was a short pass over the middle to Bruce Ellington, who turned on the jets for a 70-yard score. The second touchdown was a nice fade route to Busta Anderson.
It's safe to say the 49ers are hoping they do not have to put Thompson in a game. My guess is we see the team add a veteran sooner rather than later, but maybe they roll the dice with Gabbert the rest of the way. We'll find out more later this coming week after the Seahawks game.
In the meantime, here is the Dylan Thompson bio the 49ers sent out when they announced their UDFA signings:
A team captain for the Gamecocks, set a South Carolina school record and led the SEC with 3,564 passing yds. (274.2 yds. per game avg.), in 2014. Ranked third in the SEC with 26 TD passes, which was the second-highest single-season mark in school history. Also led the conference and set the school record with 270 completions and 451 pass attempts in a season. Was the 2014 Freddie Solomon Community Spirit Award winner. In 2013, played in 10 games (1 start) and threw for 783 yds. and 3 TDs on 52 atts. Also rushed 16 times for 27 yds. and 3 TDs. As a sophomore, played in 11 games (2 starts) and completed 66 passes for 1,027 yds. and 10 TDs. As a freshman, saw action in four games. Redshirted in 2010. Attended Boiling Springs (SC) HS where he was selected to play in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. Threw for 1,300 yds. and rushed for another 500, accounting for 21 TDs in only six games, as a junior. A two-sport athlete, also played basketball where he averaged 17 points, five rebounds and five assists per game. Born 10/25/91 in Boiling Springs, SC.