Colin Kaepernick returned to practice this week sporting a new tinted visor, which has become a popular trend during practice among his teammates. Some do it for looks rather than function, like Torrey Smith, who tried it out this week during minicamp, “for the gram.”

But Kaepernick’s visor is meant to protect his eyes while trying out a new set of contact lenses meant to help his short vision, according to the Sacramento Bee. The visor helps protect the contacts and shields them from the sun, per the report.

“For me, it was something I need to protect my eyes. Been doing a lot of things to make sure my vision’s correct. So the visor’s been there to help with that,” Kaepernick said.

League rules say Kaepernick would need a note from a doctor to wear the tinted visor in games. Clear visors are permitted.

This new version of Kaepernick is working on re-making his body before he begins competing with Blaine Gabbert for the starting job in training camp later this summer.

After three surgeries on his left shoulder, right hand and left knee, Kaepernick has been unable to lift weights until recently, causing him to lose a significant amount of bulk.

“I don’t know how low I got [in terms of weight], it wasn’t where I want to be,” Kaepernick said. “. . . I have to put on quite a bit of weight. I will be prepared for this training camp.”

Kaepernick mentioned trying improving his flexibility in his upper body during his rehab, which could help him become a more accurate thrower, particularly on shorter passes, where he struggled before getting benched after eight games in 2015.

“There’s things as far as stretching and soft tissue, icing, all those recovery methods that help keep your muscles loose, flexible, all those things so when you step on the field you’re ready to go,” Kaepernick said.

The six-year pro doesn’t believe being one of the most bulked up quarterbacks in the league hindered his throwing.

“Too tight, I do think that’s possible,” Kaepernick said. “Too much muscle for what I do and how I play? I don’t think so. I’ve been heavier in the past and played just as well and better. I don’t think that’s really the issue, it’s making sure I do everything on the recovery end and making sure I stay limber as well.”