A few hours before the game in the Seattle press box, several writers approached San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke asking for some clarification regarding Colin Kaepernick's placement on IR as well as him being benched for Blaine Gabbert in Week 9. Baalke spoke at a length about the situation and offered his opinions.
It came as a surprise to almost everyone. Kaepernick, who never appeared on an injury report until this week, was placed on season ending IR after getting a second opinion that a torn labrum in his non throwing shoulder could require surgery. This could end his 2015 season and possibly his career with the 49ers. Baalke refused to talk about Kaepernick's contract or any repercussions that his injury would have on it. He did, however, discuss the 'second opinion' that lead to the IR designation.
Baalke claims that this is not a 'he said, she said' situation. There were several doctors involved in the decision and players are always welcome to get a second opinion. Team doctors are in agreement with Kaepernick's second opinion that the injured shoulder could need surgery. Baalke also stated that this injury was not a factor in naming Blaine Gabbert as the starter.
Baalke said that no one has approached the team thus far expressing interest in Kaepernick's availability. He also said that as of the posting of this article there are no plans to work out any other QBs, although I can't imagine that there wouldn't be at some point this week with rookie Dylan Thompson being the only other active QB on the roster. With rumors swirling that Kaepernick's days with the 49ers could be numbered, Baalke did not agree that Kaepernick has taken his final snap with the 49ers saying, "I don't think 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."