Colin Kaepernick is healthy just in time for his training-camp battle with Blaine Gabbert.
For the first time since undergoing three surgeries, Kaepernick received medical clearance from his Colorado doctor to practice, sources with knowledge of the situation told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport.
Kaepernick will need further clearance from the San Francisco 49ers' medical staff when he reports for training camp before he can take the field.
The Sacramento Bee first reported the development.
Gabbert worked with the first-team offense throughout the offseason as Kaepernick recovered from surgery to repair a torn left shoulder labrum in addition to procedures on his right thumb and left knee.
New coach Chip Kelly has assured that there will be a fair competition between Gabbert and Kaepernick for the 49ers' starting job.
"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."
One rival defensive coordinator has predicted that Kaepernick will be a "nightmare" in Kelly's offense, which is ideally suited to the athletic quarterback's skill set.
To be fair, though, Kelly has astutely pointed out that Gabbert's underappreciated athleticism also "jumped out" in offseason practices.
It might take until the third preseason game before a heavy favorite emerges as the Week 1 starter.
