Quarterback Colin Kaepernick underwent surgery Tuesday morning and a four- to six-month recovery time is expected, according to sources.
Kaepernick traveled to meet with Dr. Peter Millet of the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado, on Monday. Following the face-to-face consultation, surgery was arranged for Tuesday to repair the torn labrum in Kaepernick's left shoulder.
Kaepernick first reported experiencing pain in the shoulder after the 49ers’ Oct. 4 game against the Green Bay Packers. He started four more games with the condition. When he returned from the bye week, he told the 49ers’ medical staff that his shoulder still did not feel right. Coach Jim Tomsula said Monday that was the first time he learned of Kaepernick's injury.
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An MRI last Tuesday revealed the tear in his non-throwing shoulder. Kaepernick sought a second opinion from Dr. Millet, who examined the images from the MRI on Thursday night. He determined the injury was a "significant tear" to his labrum, according to a source.
Kaepernick was listed as taking part in full practices Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. On Friday, the 49ers reported Kaepernick as “probable” for the game against the Seattle Seahawks and expected him to be available.
Kaepernick asked about his options following Friday’s practice, a team source said. His options were to continue to play through the injury or undergo season-ending surgery. The 49ers on Saturday placed Kaepernick on season-ending injured reserve. This season the 49ers have not taken injured players on road trips, so Kaepernick remained in Santa Clara to receive treatment.
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Because Kaepernick remains under contract to the 49ers, it is likely the team’s medical staff will oversee his rehabilitation from shoulder surgery.
Kaepernick, who was benched in favor of Blaine Gabbert for the past two games, is on the books to make $14.3 million next season, including $11.9 million that becomes fully guaranteed if he remains on the roster April 1 or is not cleared from a football injury at that time.