Christian Ponder is joining 2011 draft-class quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick, the latter of whom hasn’t thrown in 49ers practice for nearly a week because of shoulder tightness.
Ponder agreed Tuesday to a one-year contract, filling the roster spot of Thad Lewis, who went on injured reserve after tearing a knee ligament as the backup quarterback in Sunday’s exhibition-opening loss.
The 49ers franchise had only two healthy quarterbacks — Gabbert and rookie Jeff Driskel — throw in Tuesday’s brief practice before they flew to Denver, where they’ll practice Wednesday and Thursday against the host Broncos ahead of Saturday night’s exhibition.