49ers' Colin Kaepernick throws at practice for first time in a week

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - Colin Kaepernick threw dozens of passes on the side during the 49ers’ joint practice Thursday with the Denver Broncos, signaling the quarterback’s return from a sore passing shoulder. The throws were the first on the practice field in a week for Kaepernick, whose competition with Blaine Gabbert for the starting job had to be put on hold after tightness in his right shoulder forced him to rest his throwing arm.

Kaepernick also took part in individual quarterback drills and conditioning. However, coach Chip Kelly said Kaepernick would be eased back into full participation in practices and ruled him out for Saturday night’s exhibition game against the Broncos.

Kelly said the plan outlined by the team’s medical staff in consultation with Kaepernick called for the quarterback to ramp up his practice participation next week with the notion of getting playing time in the team’s third exhibition at home against Green Bay on Aug. 26.

The team had Kaepernick back off his passing work after he experienced shoulder soreness following practice on Aug. 10. Gabbert will start Saturday.