The San Francisco 49ers will be busy with their coaching search over the coming week(s), but there are plenty of other roster issues on the radar. One of the more notable immediate issues is the health of quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Following Jed York's Monday press conference, Kaepernick spoke with 49ers reporters, updating them on various ailments. He said that he suffered a torn ligament in his right thumb against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 7. He told the media he had an MRI on it with the 49ers, and he is going to have surgery on the thumb on Wednesday. Matt Barrows is reporting full recovery will take up to three months.
Kaepernick also is dealing with a bone bruise in his left knee, which he suffered against the St. Louis Rams in Week 8. Cam Inman reported it as a "deep bruise", but that seems like something that should heal between now and April 1.
And April 1 remains the date to watch. Kaepernick's 2016 base salary becomes fully guaranteed on that date. Kap was asked about his status with the team, and he remains under contract and is, "doing everything I can to make sure I'm prepared for next season and everything I can do to help this team win."
There is a whole lot to be figured out between now and April 1. The 49ers have to find a new head coach, and then that might give us a little more insight into Colin Kaepernick's future. And I don't imagine the team will give anything up that might further give away their intentions with Kaepernick. They still have some leverage, but it remains to be seen how long that will last.