NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said surgery is expected on Kaepernick’s shoulder. Rehabilitation for such a procedure is likely four to six months. Although it’s early, CSN put together their first mock draft and projected San Francisco to select Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch with the sixth overall pick. Kaepernick appeared on the team’s injury list Wednesday with a left shoulder injury, but was listed as probable for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, 49ers general manager Trent Baalke declined to give a clear answer when asked if Kaepernick has already played his final game in a 49ers uniform. Millett and the 49ers’ team surgeon, Tim McAdams of Stanford Hospital, have been in contact throughout the process.
When the injury continued to bother him following the team’s recent bye, doctors began re-examining the shoulder and he was listed on the weekly practice participation report.
Teams nearly never learn on a Friday afternoon after a week of practice that they’ve lost their backup quarterback. “This signals that there may be more than just medical that leads to this decision on the part of one or both parties”. He wanted to accompany his teammates and help on the sideline during the game, then travel on his own to Colorado, a source said.
The 49ers will play the Seahawks in Seattle tomorrow afternoon. Coach Jim Tomsula said Monday that was the first time he learned of Kaepernick’s injury. He ranked 27th in the National Football League in completion percentage (59.0) and 29th in passer rating (78.5). The 49ers simply made no plays, missed too many tackles and allowed four different receivers at least a 20-yard reception. On Saturday, the 49ers placed the quarterback on injured reserve – effectively ending his season. Despite leading the team to three consecutive NFC Championship games from 2011-2013, Kaepernick hasn’t had the smoothest starts to his career. The examinations conducted by the medical experts revealed that Kaepernick will need surgery and rehab. He also ran for 256 yards and a touchdown on 45 carries. He had a quarterback-record 181 yards rushing in a playoff win against Green Bay on the way to the Super Bowl.
Advertisement
Gabbert took over for the benched Kaepernick against Atlanta on November 8 and led the team to a 17-16 win. The deal he signed in 2014 allows the 49ers to walk away from it and his $13.9 million salary for 2016 with no salary-cap complications.
