San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick is out of surgery and on his way to a four to six month recovery from the torn labrum in his left shoulder that forced the end of his 2015 season.
Kaepernick suffered the injury in an October 4 game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium. His ineffectiveness this season forced the team to bench the quarterback in favor of Blaine Gabbert prior to the team's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Gabbert would get the start following the team's bye week in Seattle.
Kaepernick reported soreness in his shoulder to the 49ers on Monday, November 16. He appeared on the team's injury report on Friday, October 20. The next day, he was placed on injured reserve after he received a second opinion from Dr. Peter Millet and opted for season-ending surgery to repair the shoulder. The team promoted QB Dylan Thompson from the practice squad to the active roster and would sign QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson to take his place.
Kaepernick's surgery was today in Vail, Colorado and performed by Millet.
This season, Kaepernick has passed for 1,615 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions. Kaepernick's $11.9 million 2016 base salary is guaranteed for injury on April 1.
There has been much speculation regarding Kaepernick's future with many believing that the 49ers would try to trade the quarterback. When asked on Sunday if Kaepernick had played his last snap with the 49ers, general Manager Trent Baalke said, "I wouldn't say that at all ... People are reading into that. But for me, where we stand right now, I wouldn't read into that."
Baalke disputed a report that three teams had contacted the 49ers about a possible trade for Kaepernick last month.
Colin Kaepernick surgery was pushed back a bit. Going into OR now; Should be complete in about two hours.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) November 24, 2015
Colin Kaepernick just got out of surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, via source. Four-to six-month recovery is expected.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) November 24, 2015