Kaepernick: “Our offensive line is really going to have to be geared in this week and really handle business up front.”

SANTA CLARA – Colin Kaepernick spoke in the 49ers’ locker room Wednesday afternoon. Here’s what he said.

Q: We talked to Jon Baldwin yesterday and he said he’s been getting some extra work with you. What’s your assessment of him and how he’s progressed since he’s gotten here?

KAEPERNICK: He’s been great. Jon has come to work every day, he’s been ready, he’s been trying to make sure he’s making the right steps to get on the field. He took advantage of his opportunity last. The more we throw, the more he’s on the field, the more comfortable I get, I think he’s going to be a good asset for us.

Q: He’s a big guy. Is he a nice target on slants and that type of route where he’s shielding the defender?

KAEPERNICK: Yeah, it’s great to have a big-bodied receiver like him. He does a great job with his routes, positioning himself, giving himself an opportunity to make plays. From what he’s shown so far, he’s been able to make them so we want to continue to give him chances.

Q: He said you guys worked after practice and some over the weekend. Is that usually when it takes place or is it also before practice?

KAEPERNICK: It really just depends on when we have time but with him, he’s been very eager about it, to make sure we’re getting reps and getting on the same page. Even when he wasn’t playing, he was out there trying to get reps with me just to make sure when he did get the opportunity that we were on the same page.

Q: The Texans have done pretty well pressuring the quarterback. What do you expect from them this week?

KAEPERNICK: They have a great front-seven. They play hard. They play aggressive. They all have great motors. That’s something we have to be prepared for. Our offensive line is really going to have to be geared in this week and really handle business up front.

Q: J.J. Watt has a history of knocking down passes. That’s something you see on film and are cognizant of?

KAEPERNICK: Yeah. If he doesn’t feel like he’s going to get to the quarterback, he’s going to jump up and try to block a pass, try to make a play any way he can. He’s a great effort player. He’s going to try to make a play whenever he’s on the field any chance he gets.

Q: What did you take away from seeing how Russell Wilson attacked them in the second half?

KAEPERNICK: I think the biggest thing is just going out and playing football, making sure you’re executing on offense, sticking to your game plan and knowing where your matchups are and when you can take your chances.

Q: Do you have to be more conscious of getting your passes knocked down in this game than in other games?

KAEPERNICK: That’s not something you can worry about as a quarterback. You have to let the offensive line handle that, make sure they get their hands on them. For me, I just have to worry about what our receivers are doing and what the rest of the defense is doing.

Q: You wouldn’t change your passing trajectory?

KAEPERNICK: It really depends but for the most part you’re going to try to make the throw where you see fit.

Q: He only had two catches but how important was it to have Vernon Davis back?

KAEPERNICK: It was huge. Vernon causes a lot of problems for defenses. He’s a mismatch when he’s on the field and they have to adjust for him. Even if he’s not getting passes, he’s changing what the defenses is doing to open up other things for other people.

Q: What are your thoughts on John Skelton?

KAEPERNICK: Veteran guy. He’s been great since he’s been here. He’s been picking up on things quickly. I think he’s a great addition to our team.

Q: Can you talk a little bit about Bruce Miller?

KAEPERNICK: Bruce is like our Swiss Army Knife. He does everything from special teams to everything on offense whether it’s blocking, running, catching passes, he’s someone who really makes this offense go. He’s a vital part of it. As he develops and continues to get better, our offense will continue to get better as well.

Q: Is Miller in Delanie Walker’s old role until the young tight ends catch up?

KAEPERNICK: I think so. He’s taking on a lot of what Delanie did. He’s accepted it and embraced it and gotten very good and it’s showing on the field.

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