After weeks of speculation, perhaps now finally is the time for Colin Kaepernick to get the starting nod for the San Francisco 49ers.
That’s exactly what Jason Cole of Bleacher Report has heard.
Sources tell @JasonColeBR they believe QB Colin Kaepernick will finally get a chance to start next week vs. the Bills pic.twitter.com/oPyTQBpFc3
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 7, 2016
There is no doubt the 49ers need to make the change. Blaine Gabbert has been atrocious through five weeks, completing just 58 percent of his passes, averaging 178 passing yards per game with five touchdowns and six interceptions.
One report suggested that it could actually be Christian Ponder to take Gabbert’s spot, noting some in the locker room believe he gives them the best chance right now (more on that here).
However, as reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, the 49ers and Kaepernick are working on a restructured contract that would alleviate concerns about his injury guarantees.
This indicates the 49ers are indeed ready to give Kap another chance to guide the offense — one that has been dismal in the passing game in 2016.
At this point, if the new contract goes through and there is no risk of being stuck with Kaepernick in 2017 if he suffers a long term injury, the 49ers have nothing to lose.
At 1-4, the team is already in the NFC West basement.
Things cannot get worse. But they could potentially get much better if Kaepernick can return to the form we saw in 2012-13 when he led the 49ers to two straight NFC Championship Games and was one throw away from winning a Super Bowl.