The last time 49ers fans saw Colin Kaepernick start a game, it wasn’t pretty.
In a 27-6 loss to the Rams on Nov. 1 of 2015, Kaepernick completed 20-of-41 throws for 162 yards, a paltry 3.95 yards per attempt. He was sacked three times and posted a woeful quarterback rating of 59.2.
The next week, Blaine Gabbert took over as starting quarterback, and Kaepernick – who later revealed he was injured and underwent three surgeries – appeared to be on his way out as a 49er.
But now, after an offseason where it appeared he would go elsewhere, Kaepernick is finally getting his long-awaited chance to earn his job back.
After missing the first two preseason games with shoulder soreness, Kaepernick was reported to be throwing bullets in practices this week and is scheduled to see action against the Packers Friday night.
The QB job is still up for grabs, and Kaepernick is eager to show over the final two summer tune-up games that he’s the best man for the job.
“Most definitely,” he told reporters Wednesday at the team’s Santa Clara training facility. “I’m going to go out and show everything I can these next two games and make sure I put my best foot forward to show this organization, this team, this coaching staff what I’m capable of.”
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Kaepernick had hoped to be fully healthy all the way through camp, but the shoulder soreness was “very frustrating,” he said. Still, he was able to take reps with the offense (while not throwing) and feels totally comfortable with the scheme and playbook.
Though Gabbert has been the starter the first two exhibition games, offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins told Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle this week that the team is being patient. While the staff likes much of what Gabbert has done, there’s no reason to name Gabbert the starter for the regular season. Modkins and head coach Chip Kelly are eager to see what Kaepernick can do.
“It’s not time,” Modkins said. “It’s a competition and Kap hasn’t had a chance to perform yet.”
