San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick went from franchise passer to a player who has an unclear future, but despite the hazy status of his stay with the 49ers, reports say the team is open for his return in the 2016 season. 

In the 2012 season, Kaepernick showed that he is one of the best quarterbacks to play in the National Football League (NFL), leading the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII. 

But since then, Kaepernick's game started to go downhill and as his struggles continue this 2015 season, he lost the starting quarterback position to Blaine Gabbert. 

Along with his woes this season, the 28-year-old footballer also finished the year early after being placed on injured reserve due to an injured left shoulder (torn labrum) which made him go through surgery late last month. 

In nine games played this 2015 season, Kaepernick has 144 completions for 1,615 yards and six touchdowns, also throwing five interceptions. 

Because of the season he is having, there are talks that it might be time for the 49ers and the quarterback to part ways.

However, ESPN reported that Kaepernick met with the 49ers last week, keeping the doors open for a possible return for him next season. 

Meanwhile, according to NFL.com, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport stated last Sunday on NFL Network's GameDay Morning, "My understanding is Colin Kaepernick sat down with general manager Trent Baalke and discussed among other things potential free agent targets for next year and the plan for 2016, a sign that maybe — just maybe — the 49ers are not done with Kaepernick yet. I'm told he is in their plans for 2016."

Currently, the 49ers are last in the National Football Conference (NFC) West with a 4–8 record as they will likely miss the playoffs for the second consecutive season. 

San Francisco still has four more games left in its regular season schedule and the team is aiming to win all of those games to improve its playoff chances.