Niners Nation - Colin Kaepernick benched, placed on 49ers injured reserve, trade rumors swirl"We're the San Francisco 49ers, we can do whatever we want."https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47865/ninersnation_f.png2016-07-26T13:24:46-07:00http://www.ninersnation.com/rss/stream/95421132016-07-26T13:24:46-07:002016-07-26T13:24:46-07:00Kaepernick getting one last checkup
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<p>The San Francisco 49ers quarterback competition looks to kick into high gear this weekend. Colin Kaepernick is getting one more checkup to make sure he’s good to go.</p> <p id="mwKosX">The San Francisco 49ers report for training camp on Saturday, July 30, and at that point the quarterback competition could take a big step forward. Colin Kaepernick has been rehabbing injuries to his shoulder, knee, and thumb, and has been getting regular checkups in Vail, Colorado, where the surgeries took place. On Tuesday, Matt Maiocco reported Kaepernick is <a href="http://www.csnbayarea.com/49ers/kaepernick-gets-final-checkup-49ers-training-camp/">back in Vail for one last checkup</a> before the start of camp.</p>
<p id="2wPr79">When players arrive in Santa Clara later this week, they will take physicals. If any players still have injury issues, the team will announce which those that will start camp on the PUP and NFI lists. All indications at this point are that Kaepernick’s injuries will be fine and he’ll be ready to go for camp. He spent most of the offseason workout program rehabbing his injuries, but was able to take part in some team drills during the final three-day minicamp. He was looking a bit thin compared to before the injury, so he likely spent a lot of the past two months working on building his muscle mass back into form.</p>
<p id="Zn9Dbx">The 49ers first practice is scheduled for Sunday, July 31. The first preseason game is Sunday August 14. That gives the two quarterbacks two weeks to take the proverbial bull by the horns. My guess is one player starts the first game, and the other player starts the second game, but we’ll see as the games approach. The starter in that first preseason game is not necessarily the player who will win the job, but it will certainly be a boost. </p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2016/7/26/12289554/colin-kaepernick-final-check-up-49ers-training-campDavid Fucillo2016-05-17T11:37:20-07:002016-05-17T11:37:20-07:00Kelly: Kap not cleared, not falling behind
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<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The 49ers QB competition continues, and we likely will not see a real emergence until later in training camp.</p> <p>It should surprise nobody that the first question presented to San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly was about quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Kelly was asked about Kap's status, and he confirmed what we generally knew: Kaepernick has not been medically cleared to full participate in practice. He is throwing in rehab with a medical trainer, and he is going through the motions during practice reps, but he is not yet fully cleared.</p>
<p>Kelly did state that Kap is not falling behind just because he is not a full participant in practice. He talked about how there is no "behind" at this point since this is the first day going against the opposing defense. He said Kap has been great in the classroom, and has a great grasp of what the offense is doing. He said, "I'm really impressed by both Blaine and him and their intelligence and being able to pick up what we're trying to do."</p>
<p>Kelly was asked about having a timetable for deciding on his quarterback. He said you can't force the situation, and instead need to let it develop organically. Tuesday marks the first of nine days of OTAs over the next three weeks. That will be followed by a three-day mandatory minicamp. Then, the players go their separate ways until the start of training camp at the end of July. When camp arrives, the 49ers will have 15 days of practice before their first preseason game. We'll get a much better idea of who is getting what first team work at that point.</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2016/5/17/11692588/chip-kelly-colin-kaepernick-not-medically-cleared-not-falling-behindDavid Fucillo2016-05-17T07:58:02-07:002016-05-17T07:58:02-07:00Report: Kap making good impression with coaches
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<p>It's anonymous, but positive comments are certainly a plus.</p> <p>The San Francisco 49ers open OTAs on Tuesday, and while Colin Kaepernick is still not fully cleared to practice, he is apparently making a solid impression. ESPN reporter <a href="http://espn.go.com/espn/now?nowId=21-0524225042406445283-4" target="_blank">Bob Holtzman</a> spoke with one of the 49ers coaches recently, and the coach had plenty of praise.</p>
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<p>"Works his butt off in rehab, great with the coaches, learning the offense quickly, I like him a lot."</p>
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<p>Kaepernick is throwing the football again, but he has not been fully cleared for practice. Trent Baalke said he was doing throwing as part of his rehab process. Matt Barrows reported on Monday that he has full range of motion again, and was in Vail, Colorado for a checkup this past weekend. Barrows reported Kap could be cleared later this month, but we still do not have a full update.</p>
<p>Head coach Chip Kelly is meeting with the media Tuesday morning, but I can't imagine he will say much about Kap's rehab. <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2016/5/13/11673924/chip-kelly-talks-qb-deforest-buckner-carlos-hyde-sharks-warriors-more" target="_blank">Kelly has offered praise</a> for the work Kap has done during the offseason program, but he also said that the QB competition won't take a really significant step forward until Kaepernick has been cleared. Even if he is cleared for the mandatory minicamp in early June, it will still be training camp before this thing really shakes out.</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2016/5/17/11690978/colin-kaepernick-making-strong-first-impression-with-49ers-coachesDavid Fucillo2016-05-16T05:30:02-07:002016-05-16T05:30:02-07:00Kap continues rehab throwing
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<p>The rehab process continues for Colin Kaepernick.</p> <p>The San Francisco 49ers return to practice on Tuesday with the start of OTAs, which provide the first chance for full offense vs. defense work. The team cannot run one-on-one drills, but with team drills, we'll see significant implementation of the offensive and defensive playbooks.</p>
<p>This also means the quarterback competition continues to develop. The competition is not exactly in full drive, and it likely will not take that step forward until training camp. Colin Kaepernick continues his rehab process, but has yet to take the regular snaps the other three quarterbacks are taking.</p>
<p>On Friday, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/731222561707581440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">Tom Pelissero reported</a> that Trent Baalke told him Colin Kaepernick had resumed throwing, but was not yet cleared for practice. Pelissero reported this Friday, but it was not actually breaking news. I bring it up here since people occasionally ask about random bits of news like that. I say it's not breaking news because Baalke actually <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2016/5/4/11593162/trent-baalke-on-colin-kaepernick-rehab-process-blaine-gabbert-taking-control">confirmed this himself</a> in a radio interview ten days ago. Matt Barrows had <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2016/5/4/11590232/colin-kaepernick-has-resumed-throwing-a-bit" target="_blank">reported it earlier in the day</a>, and Baalke confirmed the news to the host.</p>
<p>Chip Kelly was asked about the QB competition on Friday <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2016/5/13/11673924/chip-kelly-talks-qb-deforest-buckner-carlos-hyde-sharks-warriors-more" target="_blank">during his KNBR interview</a>. James discussed <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2016/5/14/11676014/49ers-quarterback-battle-colin-kaepernick-blaine-gabbert-chip-kelly">Kelly's "I have no idea" comment yesterday</a>, but here's the full transcript of his answer when asked who is starting quarterback will be in 2016:</p>
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<p id="paragraph13">I have no idea. We're not playing a game until September. At this point in time, it's early, and one of the players, Colin, is injured right now, so he's not been a full participant in everything. He's still working extremely hard at the rehab part, but I think people forget he had a thumb injury, a shoulder injury, a knee injury that he's coming off of. So, right now, Blaine's out there, Thad Lewis is with us, and Jeff Driskel are the ones taking the snaps in the offseason program. Kap's at every meeting, Kap's at rehab, Kap's at every practice, doing what he can. But we don't know exactly what we have until we get those guys up and running. That won't be determined until preseason camp.</p>
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<p>Kap is learning the playbook and has been shadowing the quarterbacks during drills, but not getting to actually throw with receivers is certainly not beneficial. Barrows reported the expectation is he would be cleared by the end of May, or soon thereafter. The 49ers close out their offseason workout program with a mandatory minicamp June 7-9.</p>
<p>Ideally Kap can get on the field a little bit, but even if he does get out for that part of the program, he'll have some work to do to catch up in training camp. It's not the same as if he missed the offseason program entirely, but it's not a perfect situation. It will be interesting then to see how the QB competition shapes up when the first preseason game rolls around. My guess right now is that Blaine Gabbert gets the first team snaps in the first preseason game, with Kap coming on as the first quarterback in relief. I suspect we see both Gabbert and Kap getting first team work as the preseason wears on, potentially alternating work with the 1s.</p>
<p>For now, we'll continue to wait and see when Kap gets back on the field competing directly with Gabbert.</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2016/5/16/11675860/colin-kaepernick-continues-throwing-in-rehab-not-cleared-for-practiceDavid Fucillo2016-05-13T10:20:31-07:002016-05-13T10:20:31-07:00Kelly on Kaepernick, Gabbert competition
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<p>Not exactly a shocking comment, but the 49ers head coach got into a few other things as well.</p> <p>San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly made an appearance on KNBR Friday morning, and while we await the audio for a full transcript, Cam Inman was able to <a href="http://blogs.mercurynews.com/49ers/2016/05/13/49ers-chip-kelly-quelling-kaepernick-controversy-keeping-qb-job-tbd/" target="_blank">get some of Kelly's notable comments</a>. I'll hopefully have a transcript later this afternoon.</p>
<p>Naturally, Kelly was asked about Colin Kaepernick and the quarterback competition. It should not surprise anybody that he would not commit to a quarterback.</p>
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<p>"I have no idea," Kelly told KNBR 680-AM, sounding half-joking and half-coy. "We're not playing a game until September. At this point in time, it's early, and one of the players, Colin, is injured right now, so he's not been a full participant in everything."</p>
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<p>He said that Kap has been attending all the meetings and practices while he continues his rehab, but he thinks late July and the start of training camp is when we'll start to get a better handle on things.</p>
<p>Kelly talked about the strengths of Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert as well. He discussed Kaepernick's intelligence, and Gabbert's athleticism. I wonder if he specifically pointed at those since people are inclined to discuss other strengths of the two quarterbacks. I could be entirely wrong on that point, but I kind of think that's what he might have been going for with his discussion of strengths. I don't see Kelly getting specific on this for no reason. I don't think it really matters, but it's interesting to consider given the QB competition.</p>
<p>Check out <a href="http://blogs.mercurynews.com/49ers/2016/05/13/49ers-chip-kelly-quelling-kaepernick-controversy-keeping-qb-job-tbd/" target="_blank">Cam Inman's article</a> for a few more quotations about the quarterbacks. I'll have the full transcript later.</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2016/5/13/11672506/chip-kelly-49ers-quarterback-competition-colin-kaepernick-blaine-gabbertDavid Fucillo2016-05-11T15:30:02-07:002016-05-11T15:30:02-07:00Montana with thoughts on Kaepernick, front office
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<p>Joe Montana made an appearance on Sports Illustrated's online programming recently, and naturally there were questions about <span>Colin Kaepernick</span>. You can watch Montana's comments up above, but if you have any issues with video, here is what he had to say:</p>
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<p>Well, that's usually the leader of the team in most cases. And people look to him at this point, and he's a quiet person. He doesn't share a lot, he doesn't talk to a lot of the guys. And that's difficult for the offense to operate because the communication between the quarterback and the receiver, one of the most important things. Even with your offensive line, when there's problems, you have to be able to talk to those guys and figure it out while you're out on the field. And when you have a guy who doesn't really want to be there, you don't know whether to put yourself behind him or not. And you want to believe in him, but if he doesn't want to be there...I'm sure they did everything they could to try and get him to some place he'd be happy, because it would be best for both teams.</p>
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<p>There was a follow-up question about Chip Kelly, and how the first thing Kaepenrick did after Kelly was hired was ask for a trade. I don't think that was quite the <i>first</i> thing, but point still stands. Montana corrected that, pointing out that it seemed Kaepernick had issues with the front office more than anything.</p>
<p>We've had this discussion ad nauseam, but it was still interesting to hear Montana reference that particular point. National media repeatedly bring up the question of why Kaepernick does not want to play for Chip Kelly. They frequently ignore the issues that preceded Kelly.</p>
<p>But beyond that, the trade issue will hover over things for the time being. Kaepernick reported and is taking part in everything, but the trade talks remain an issue. We don't know if the trade request has been formally rescinded, although I would think something would have leaked if that had actually happened. Instead, we're left waiting for anything. What a wonderful time to be alive!</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2016/5/11/11659170/joe-montana-on-colin-kaepernick-and-49ers-front-officeDavid Fucillo2016-05-04T13:43:11-07:002016-05-04T13:43:11-07:00Gabbert 'taking control', Baalke on Kap rehab
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<p>The quarterback competition is far from determined, but Blaine Gabbert might be gaining an early upper hand as Colin Kaepernick continues his rehab process.</p> <p>San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke made an appearance on SiriusXM NFL radio Wednesday morning, and he had a chance to discuss quarterback Colin Kaepernick. He clarified the kind of throwing Kaepernick is currently involved in, but otherwise did not add a whole lot to the situation.</p>
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<p>We've got five guys on the roster right now, at that position, and we're gonna work through it. Kap's doing an awfully good job with his rehab. Like you mentioned earlier, he's out on the field now. He's not throwing with the group yet, he's still throwing in the rehabilitation phase of it, but he's back out there slinging it a little bit. So that's going well. The coaches are excited about that group of guys. They feel good about it. We're getting a lot of work in right now, and we've got a couple more months to plow through this offseason before we send these guys out for a break. So it's exciting times, and we're looking forward to that group going out there and competing.</p>
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<p>Kaepernick is getting work in, but the injury is leaving him a little bit behind the rest of the quarterbacks in preparing for the upcoming season. I bring this up in part because Matt Maiocco had an interesting article earlier in the day. He spoke with Garrett Celek last week, and the 49ers tight end said that Gabbert was <a href="http://www.csnbayarea.com/49ers/gabbert-appears-control-during-49ers-workouts/" target="_blank">"definitely taking control" on the field</a>. Celek was asked if Gabbert is a natural leader, and he offered up praise in that regard as well.</p>
<p>I would not expect a player to respond that a quarterback is not a leader, although we've seen plenty of issues across the NFL where leadership questions are raised. But beyond what Celek said, Gabbert has an important edge right now in the competition for the starting quarterback job. Both players are learning the playbook, but Gabbert has the advantage of getting to get the throws in with his receivers. That's just the inherent nature of Kaepernick having to rehab, but as we get through the offseason workout program and into training camp, it will be something to track in this competition.</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2016/5/4/11593162/trent-baalke-on-colin-kaepernick-rehab-process-blaine-gabbert-taking-controlDavid Fucillo2016-05-04T07:02:02-07:002016-05-04T07:02:02-07:00Kaepernick throwing a 'bit'
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<p>It is a slow process, but Colin Kaepernick continues his progress back to the field.</p> <p>The San Francisco 49ers are continuing phase 2 of their offseason workout program this week, and Matt Barrows had an interesting update on Tuesday. A source told him that <a href="http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/article75321482.html" target="_blank">Colin Kaepernick has begun throwing a "bit"</a>, and "doctors are expected to clear him by the end of the month or soon thereafter."</p>
<p>That timeline fits in with what we've heard much of the offseason. Back in early April, Mindi Bach reported that Kaepernick <a href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2016/4/6/11378660/colin-kaepernick-injury-rehab-football-activities-trade-rumors" target="_blank">needed at least one more month</a> before he would be football ready. The team continues through phase 2 of the offseason workout program, and will move into phase 3 in a couple weeks. That phase includes OTAs, and most importantly, offense vs. defense drills are allowed.</p>
<p>Right now, the 49ers can do "perfect play" drills, which is all offense or all defense, but not both at the same time. Kaepernick has been spotted shadowing the other quarterbacks. He runs the drills behind them without actually throwing a ball. It gives him a chance to learn the offense on the field even as he continues to rehab his shoulder. It leaves him modestly behind the other quarterbacks, but it's certainly better than where Sam Bradford is in learning Doug Pederson's offense while holding out.</p>
https://www.ninersnation.com/2016/5/4/11590232/colin-kaepernick-has-resumed-throwing-a-bitDavid Fucillo