Colin Kaepernick is still not cleared for team sessions, but for the first time this offseason he will throw during the San Francisco 49ers’ minicamp this week.
“Coach Chip Kelly said Kaepernick will participate in individual, offensive drills, meaning he’s expected to throw, which he hasn’t done since the offseason program began in April,” writes Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News.
It will be the first time Kaepernick has thrown passes for the 49ers since November of last year, Inman notes, as he underwent three offseason surgeries, beginning with the procedure in November to repair a torn labrum.
Kelly described the level of participation the 49ers are expecting from Kaepernick.
“You’re not going to go from not practicing to full practice,” Kelly said. “I don’t think anyone’s ever done that. You’re going to bring him along gradually. He’s going to do more today. He’ll do more individually and throw to receivers and tight ends and running backs. That’s a natural progression he’s doing.”
Here he is, throwing in 7-on-7 drills.
#49ers Colin Kaepernick looked fine in first passing action this offseason, even did 7on7s but not full team pic.twitter.com/rfEWTFFVTX
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) June 7, 2016
This is encouraging news, and it shows that Kaepernick’s shoulder has healed up nicely. There is no chance the 49ers would have cleared him to throw otherwise.
If his health continues to improve with no setbacks heading into July, there is no reason to think Kaepernick won’t be ready for training camp. Until then, he is going to be spending plenty of time in the weight room getting his strength back after spending much of the winter unable to maintain his physique (picture here).
While his frustrations with the 49ers are well documented, Kaepernick has been present for all the team’s offseason meetings and practices. Kelly has said his quarterback has been a model citizen and noted there haven’t been any “elephants in the room” this spring.
If everything goes well during the rest of the offseason, then it’s safe to say Kaepernick will have a legitimate chance to unseat Blaine Gabbert for the starting job. It’s going to be a fascinating story to watch unfold.