The San Francisco 49ers open up minicamp this week, but Colin Kaepernick won't be fully cleared for practices.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that Kaepernick won't be cleared to participate in team workouts this week, per a source informed of his situation.
Chip Kelly clarified Kaepernick's availability on Tuesday, saying the quarterback is scheduled to participate in individuals drills this week -- his first on-field work this offseason. Kap will not participate in team work yet.
Minicamp marks the end of offseason workouts for the 49ers until training camp. Rapoport reported that the hope is Kaepernick will be cleared 100 percent when camp opens at the end of July.
The quarterback underwent a trio of surgeries (shoulder, thumb, knee) in the past eight months. Offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins admitted last week he had "no idea" when the quarterback would be cleared. That haziness won't get any clearer this week.
Missing all of spring team drills will put Kap well behind when the competition with Blaine Gabbertfinally starts. Gabbert should have clear command of coach Chip Kelly's offense by training camp, giving him the leg up. Will it be too much for Kaepernick to overcome?
Kelly raved about both Kaepernick and Gabbert last week, but Kap will need to blow Gabbert out of the water to wrestle the starting job back. First the enigmatic quarterback needs to get on the field full-time, which won't happen this week.
