Colin Kaepernick’s disappointing, frustrating 2015-16 campaign finally has come to an end.
The San Francisco 49ers have placed the fifth-year quarterback on season-ending injured reserve with a left shoulder injury, the team announced Saturday.
Kaepernick has a “significant tear” in his his left labrum, a source told The Sacramento Bee’s Matt Barrows. He told the team Friday he wants to get surgery on his shoulder, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and will undergo the procedure Tuesday, according to Bay Area News Group’s Cam Inman.
The team’s announcement ends a nightmare season for Kaepernick. The Niners got off to a 2-6 start with Kaepernick under center, with the 28-year-old completing just 59 percent of his passes, good for 26th in the NFL.
His awful play led San Francisco to bench him ahead of the team’s Week 9 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons (on the day before his birthday, no less), and Kaepernick was forced to watch from the sideline as Blaine Gabbert led the team to a 17-16 win over Atlanta.
Gabbert appears to be the Niners’ starter going forward, while the club recalled QB Dylan Thompson from the practice squad to serve as his backup.
Thumbnail photo via Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports Images
