San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is on track to finally make his 2016 preseason debut this Friday when the team hosts the Green Bay Packers, per Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News.
To this point in the proceedings, San Francisco’s quarterback competition between Blaine Gabbert and Kaepernick has appeared to be non-existent. Kaepernick has missed both preseason games due to what was first called “arm fatigue” and then upgraded to what was described as a “dead arm.”
He didn’t even throw for over a week and only recently resumed tossing the ball around within the past few days.
But Monday marked a new beginning for Kaepernick, who participated in the 49ers practice session for the first time since August 10.
Colin Kaepernick has resumed normal throwing in #49ers practices, at least in warmups before media access ended pic.twitter.com/inIlzc23g0
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) August 22, 2016
Head coach Chip Kelly said on the radio (KNBR-680 AM, per Inman) Monday morning that he hasn’t named a starter for Week 3 yet, either.
He has maintained his stance that he won’t name a starter until he’s fully satisfied with seeing what both Gabbert and Kaepernick can do.
If the decision were up to general manager Trent Baalke, it would almost certainly already be done (more on that here).
Many have suggested Kaepernick would thrive in Kelly’s system. So far, Gabbert has been less than impressive through two preseason games. If Kaepernick does get into the game, plays extended minutes and impresses, perhaps he’ll surprise us all and become the leader of San Francisco’s offense once again.