From left, quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick get in some throws during the first day of the 49ers’ three-day minicamp.
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“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.
Kaepernick, however, threw a number of passes in seven-on-seven situations, including a nice touch pass to tight end Blake Bell down the sideline.
-Outside pass rushers Eli Harold, Demetrius Cherry and Tank Carradine got penetration during team drills for either would-be sacks or pass deflections at the line of scrimmage.
First-round pick Joshua Garnett was a full participant after finishing his course work at Stanford.
The 49ers will hold joint practices with the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans before their preseason games, Kelly said. Shortly after the season, he also underwent surgeries on his right thumb and left knee.
“Just staying in contact with the other rookies and asking them what they were doing and trying to double that running”, Garnett said.
“I’d go through (the plays) on my own and maybe do like a 10-yard sprint after that”, Garnett said. “I can’t go against somebody, but I can at least get the tempo down, which would help me”.
Colin Kaepernick participated in practice for the first time this offseason.
In previous practices over the past two months, Kaepernick has worn a knit cap and mimicked the movement of quarterbacks while standing 5 yards behind them and taking mental reps on each snap.
Quarterbacks coach Ryan Day said Tuesday the spring is mostly dedicated to learning the offense, not so much competing for roles, and in that sense Kaepernick is where he needs to be. So he’s got a lot on his plate.
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There weren’t riveting bombs or jaw-dropping screens, but each pass brought to life what should be a compelling duel come training camp as Kaepernick tries to win his job back from Blaine Gabbert. And, let’s remember (though I doubt anyone’s forgotten), Kaepernick didn’t play all too well the last time we saw him on the field.
