Colin Kaepernick has undergone a variety of procedures during the last few months, but the San Francisco 49ers quarterback isn’t expected to miss any of the 2016 NFL season.
According to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area, surgeon Dr. Peter Millett said in a statement that Kaepernick’s work ethic and positive outlook are speeding his recovery.
“Colin is working very hard and is totally committed to being healthy and ready for next season,” Millett said of the player who had surgeries on a torn left labrum, a torn ligament in his left thumb and his left knee.
That’s quite the list of procedures, to say the least. It also puts the 49ers in a precarious position if they want to move on from Kaepernick and cut him.
Per Spotrac, Kaepernick’s $11.9 million base salary becomes fully guaranteed if he’s still on the roster when April 1 rolls around.
However, San Francisco cannot cut Kaepernick until he passes a physical, which after three surgeries isn’t a certainty. That’s not to suggest he won’t — especially considering the surgeon said Kaepernick is recovering quickly — but at least must be mentioned.
The 49ers could keep the 28-year-old despite the expensive deal and see if Chip Kelly can resurrect Kaepernick’s career. San Francisco’s new head coach runs as a zone-read-oriented system but has never had a truly mobile quarterback to run the offense. Kaepernick is exactly that.
Barring a setback, Kaepernick should be ready to play in 2016. The question remains where that will be, but we’ll find out the answer by April 1.