Quarterback Colin Kaepernick will not be allowed to wear a tinted visor in the 49ers’ preseason game Friday without league approval, the NFL said.
“A player needs approval to wear it in any game, including the preseason,” an NFL spokesman told CSNBayArea.com on Thursday. “He can wear it in practice without approval. But in a game, it needs to be approved.”
It is not known if a ruling will occur before Friday's game.
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Kaepernick has worn a tinted visor as part of his helmet during the entire offseason program and training camp. On Wednesday, Kaepernick said he planned the wear the visor when he is scheduled to make his preseason debut against the Green Bay Packers.
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When asked if he has been granted approval from the NFL to wear the visor, Kaepernick said, “Still working on that.”
He said it was his understanding that he could wear the visor in the exhibition season without approval.
San Francisco 49ers
The NFL’s process for approval is as follows: “A player needs to supply appropriate medical documentation which is then reviewed by an independent ophthalmologist for approval.”
Two weeks ago, Kaepernick said a doctor advised the use of the visor. He did not disclose whether the recommendation came from a team or independent doctor. Kaepernick declined to specify the condition for which he is seeking approval to wear the visor. Kaepernick reportedly began wearing contact lenses in the offseason to aid his short vision.