Baltimore Ravens: Joe Flacco injury could open the door for Colin Kaepernick signing

July 27 (UPI) -- There hasn't been much, if any, news on Colin Kaepernick signing a deal with an NFL franchise. But with any new injury to a starter, his name will ultimately rise on the list of replacement options.

Enter: The Baltimore Ravens.

Sources told the Baltimore Sun Wednesday that Flacco will be likely shut down for the first week of training camp as he deals with "back discomfort." Flacco reported last week to the Ravens' camp. He has been feeling the discomfort for two weeks, according to the Sun.

He will be evaluated after a week of rest.

Sources told NFL Network Wednesday that Flacco is "preparing to miss 3 to 6 weeks" with a disc issue.

The team is not concerned about his availability for Week 1, according to NFL Network.

The Sun and the Bay Area News Group both reported that Kaepernick could be a possible fit for the Ravens. He has multiple ties to the franchise. The Sun reported that if Ravens feel like Flacco's injury is long-term, Kaepernick could "come into play." The Bay Area News Group noted that Kaepernick made a $25,000 donation to Balitmore youth as part of his Million Dollar Pledge.

John Harbaugh's brother, Jim Harbaugh, coached Kaepernick for four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman served in his current capacity for the 49ers during that timeframe. Kaepernick posted the best QBR of his career during those four seasons and posted a 25-16 record as a starter.

Baltimore currently has Ryan Mallett and Dustin Vaughan on their depth chart behind Flacco. Flacco, 32, suffered a torn ACL during the 2015 season, limiting him to 10 games. The No. 18 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft has never missed a start in any other season.

If Flacco misses six weeks, he would be out until Sept. 6. The Ravens' first preseason game is set for Aug. 10. Baltimore hosts the Washington Redskins in that contest, before traveling south to battle the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 17 at Hard Rock Stadium. The Ravens play the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 of the preseason before wrapping up Week 4 with the New Orleans Saints. Baltimore battles the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 10 at Paul Brown Stadium.