Colin Kaepernick appears closer to being healthy enough to practice. After “a dead arm” sidelined him for the past week, Kaepernick was seen throwing on the side Wednesday at San Francisco 49ers practice.
Colin Kaepernick injury allowing Blaine Gabbert to win starting job, fantasy relevance
We analyze the fantasy football implications of Colin Kapernick still unable to fully practice, which allows Blaine Gabbert to strengthen his hold on the starting job.
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This is a positive step forward for Kaepernick in his recovery from what can be a tricky injury to deal with. It’s undoubtedly keeping Kaepernick from being an efficient passer, at least one good enough to beat out Blaine Gabbert for the starting spot.
Still, Kaepernick is falling further behind in the race for the starting job, which could be decided as soon as next week.
Fantasy Spin: With the 49ers having one more joint practice with the Denver Broncos before Saturday’s preseason matchup, it’s unlikely Kaepernick plays then. That would have allowed Gabbert to get most of the starting reps in training camp and through the first two weeks of the preseason.
The logical move for new head coach Chip Kelly would then be to name Gabbert the Week 1 starter. That would allow Gabbert to get all of the work in for the key third preseason game, which is essentially a dress rehearsal for the regular season opener.
That’s why Gabbert should be the only 49ers quarterback who you’re considering in fantasy football drafts. Even in Kelly’s up-tempo offense, Gabbert should not be anything more than a late-round flyer in deeper leagues.
