SANTA CLARA – Quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has worn a tinted visor in his helmet during the team’s offseason and training camp, is awaiting final approval from the NFL to fashion the apparatus during games.
“I’m going through that process currently,” Kaepernick said on Friday.
The NFL rulebook states that "tinted eye shields may be worn only after the League office is supplied with appropriate medical documentation and approval is subsequently granted. The League office has final approval.”
Kaepernick did not practice the past two days due to tightness in his throwing shoulder. He said he believes he will be able to play Sunday, when the 49ers open the exhibition season against the Houston Texans.
Kaepernick said a doctor advised the use of the visor.
“I’m not going to get too much into my medical, but it’s something that was recommended for me,” he said.
Kaepernick declined to say whether it was a team doctor or an independent physician who made the recommendation. Kaepernick reportedly began wearing contact lenses in the offseason to aid his short vision.
