Which version of QB Colin Kaepernick will start on Week 6?

After five weeks of underwhelming football from Blaine Gabbert the 49ers have named Colin Kaepernick the starter for Week 6, but which version of him will they get.

The San Francisco 49ers drafted quarterback Colin Kaepernick in 2011. The plan was for him to sit behind Alex Smith until he was called upon to lead his team.

After a 6-2 start in 2012, Alex Smith went down with an injury against the St. Louis Rams. Kaepernick came in to handle the remaining snaps with the game, ending in a 24-24 tie. His moment to shine did not result in a win, but it was obvious that the talent was there.

In Week 9, he made his first NFL start against the Chicago Bears and never looked back. Kaepernick started every game for the remainder of the season and led the 49ers back to the playoffs.

Following his postseason record performance of 181 rushing yards to beat the Green Bay Packers, and a come from behind win in the NFC championship game to beat the Atlanta Falcons, the 49ers had secured their sixth Super Bowl appearance.

The Harbaugh-led team would represent their conference on the biggest stage during the biggest night in football, but regrettably they would not come home with the win.

Despite the Super Bowl loss, it was obvious that quarterback Kaepernick had arrived. Furthermore, it didn’t make sense for him to go back to the bench. His fame was astounding and his ability seemed to get better by the game.

The following year he led the 49ers to their third straight NFC championship game, but once again he came up a few inches short. The reality in San Francisco was harsh and the team would not be celebrating another Lombardi Trophy.

Though there was disappointment in the locker room, the franchise had every reason to be hopeful for the future. After a year and a half under center, Kaepernick had compiled a 17-6 record, led his team to two straight NFC championship games and a Super Bowl berth.

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Colin was at the top of his game and the undisputed leader of his team. Then things took a turn for the worse, Kaepernick’s overnight success had disappeared as quickly as it showed up. The 49ers would finish the 2014 season at 8-8 and miss the playoffs entirely.

For the 53-man roster, it was a bad dream that lacked the mercy of an ending. In fact, it would only get worse. The following season he would go an horrible 2-6 and lose his starting job to then second string quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

Since then Kaepernick has seen his fair share of controversy and has also been the subject of his National Anthem protest. To start the season he would once again assume the role of backup. However, after a disappointing 1-5 record to begin the season, Chip Kelly has made a much-needed quarterback change.

As announced earlier this week, Kaepernick will make his 2016 debut at starter when the team travels to Buffalo. For many fans, it’s the moment they’ve all been waiting for, but what exactly should they be expecting? Which version of Colin Kaepernick will show up?

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Will it be the mobile, gun-slinging leader that led his team to an impressive record of 17-6, or will it be the gun-shy underachiever that has gone 10-14 since his fall from greatness?

The organization seems to think that he can’t lead this team. Otherwise, why would they void four years of his contract, giving him the rest of this year to prove himself with a team option for next season?

As we all know, nothing is a certainty as they both move forward. One thing that is for sure is that the team is sitting pretty. If Kaepernick does well this season the 49ers can lock him up with the option for next year, then they can play him or possibly trade him. If he fails to do well, they can part ways with him and turn their attention on the next heir apparent.

Though it’s true that the 49ers are holding most of the cards, Kaepernick does control his own destiny. However, he needs to play well in Buffalo to gain the upper hand on his failing career. If he doesn’t, there’s no telling what the future holds for the young signal caller.

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Regardless of what happens, the world will be watching this weekend. So he better make it interesting.