Colin Kaepernick is raring to show he is ok to play within the NFL.
An individual near Kaepernick advised The Related Press on Friday: “Colin has at all times been ready to compete on the highest degree and is in the perfect form of his life.” The particular person spoke anonymously due to the confidential nature of discussions with groups.
The 31-year-old Kaepernick hasn’t performed since 2016 with the San Francisco 49ers. He helped begin a wave of protests about social and racial injustice that season by kneeling throughout the nationwide anthem at video games. He drew robust criticism from President Donald Trump.
However Trump on Friday advised reporters when requested if Kaepernick ought to play within the NFL: “Provided that he is ok. I do know the homeowners, I do know Bob Kraft. They are going to do something they will to win video games.”
Kaepernick launched a video earlier this week saying: “5 a.m. 5 days per week. For three years. Nonetheless Prepared.”
The Philadelphia Eagles misplaced backup Nate Sudfeld to a damaged left wrist suffered Thursday evening, elevating hypothesis the workforce can be available in the market for an skilled quarterback. Sudfeld was scheduled for surgical procedure, however coach Doug Pederson mentioned it isn’t a season-ending damage and the workforce was content material with No. three quarterback Cody Kessler and rookie Clayton Thorson.
Nonetheless, Eagles beginning quarterback Carson Wentz has sustained season-ending accidents every of the previous two seasons. Nick Foles led Philadelphia to 4 playoff wins in two years and was 2018 Tremendous Bowl MVP, however signed an $88 million, four-year take care of Jacksonville in free company.
Sudfeld has thrown 25 passes within the NFL. Kessler is 2-10 as a starter in three seasons with Cleveland and Jacksonville.
Kaepernick led the 49ers to consecutive NFC championship video games in 2012-2013 and was 4-2 within the playoffs. He threw for 302 yards and one landing and ran for 62 yards and one rating in a 34-31 loss to Baltimore within the 2013 Tremendous Bowl.
The Ravens thought of signing Kaepernick in the summertime of 2017 when beginning quarterback Joe Flacco was coping with a again damage that may maintain him out for your entire preseason. Proprietor Steve Bisciotti mentioned he consulted with followers and the workforce in the end handed.
Kaepernick met with Seattle a few years in the past, however Seahawks coach Pete Carroll mentioned he must be a starter within the league and the workforce solely wished a backup for Russell Wilson.
Former 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned he has advised groups who’ve requested him about Kaepernick that he is a “nice competitor” and he’ll “have an awesome profession and be an awesome quarterback, win championships.”
The protests slowed down final season because the NFL made contributions to organizations chosen by gamers and promised extra consideration to social justice points. Two gamers near Kaepernick, Carolina’s Eric Reid and Miami’s Kenny Stills, proceed to kneel.
Whereas he has been away from the taking part in discipline, Kaepernick has develop into an advocate for social and racial justice and have become the face of Nike’s “Simply Do It” marketing campaign.
The NFL in February settled a collusion grievance Kaepernick and Reid filed in opposition to the league. Reid, who performed 13 video games final season for the Panthers, signed a three-year contract with Carolina in February.
——
For extra NFL protection: http://www.professional32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP—NFL
