Now that “heck of a competition” at quarterback can truly begin.
According to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been fully cleared to participate in practice after offseason shoulder surgery.
Kaepernick flew to Vail, Colo., yesterday to meet with Dr. Peter Millett, who performed the surgery. There, he went through a series of tests including some on-field work, and Kaepernick apparently passed. He also had work done on his right thumb and left knee this offseason, getting the bulk rate.
He’ll have his team physical Saturday when players report to training camp, with the first practice Sunday.
Then he’ll have a chance to compete for his old job with Blaine Gabbert, who had the head start in impressing new 49ers coach Chip Kelly.
“All I’ve heard is that Chip has told me it’s going to be a competition, . . . and to come in and be ready to compete,” Kaepernick said in June. “That’s my mindset, and I’m excited to do that.”
Of course, he wasn’t excited about everything this offseason, specifically when trade talks with Denver broke down because he wouldn’t take a pay cut.