Editor's note: The above video is from April 28, 2016.
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick is expected to receive full medical clearance as the 49ers get closer to open training camp in late-July, a source told CSNBayArea.com on Monday.
Kaepernick will not be cleared for full participation at the 49ers’ mandatory minicamp this week, sources said. The three-day camp is scheduled for Tuesday-Thursday in Santa Clara. It was reported last week that Kaepernick was not likely to be cleared for full participation.
Kaepernick underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder in November. Shortly after the season, he underwent surgeries on his right thumb and left knee.
Kaepernick appeared to lose significant weight and strength during the early portion of the offseason when he was unable to implement his typical training methods. In recent weeks, Kaepernick appears to have regained much of his strength.
He appears to be making progress in recovery. He was seen throwing passes in the warmup portion of practice last week when the 49ers had their final week of voluntary organized team activities.
[REWIND: Kaepernick still not cleared for OTAs]
During practices, Kaepernick is often seen approximately 10 yards behind the quarterback, going through the footwork and making the reads from a perspective similar to what he would see if he were taking the snap.
Blaine Gabbert and Kaepernick both started eight games for the 49ers last season. Gabbert, who has been handling the first-team practice repetitions this offseason, will compete with Kaepernick for the starting job when training camp opens next month.
Coach Chip Kelly said two weeks ago that Kaepernick is not falling behind in the competition because the competition really has not started.
“I don’t have a timetable,” Kelly said when asked if there’s a date by which he wants to name the starting quarterback. “You can’t put a timetable on it. It has to express itself and let it happen organically. That’s the only way it can happen. I’ve been involved in every level of quarterback battles. Just like battles at every other position, it’s going to be won on the field.”
