San Francisco 49ers: Predicting Post-OTA Starting Lineups

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Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert looks over the defense against the St. Louis Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterback

With Colin Kaepernick still not cleared for this week’s minicamp, there’s no way to put anyone but Blaine Gabbert atop the chart at the moment. He took every snap with the first unit during OTAs, with no one else on the roster really actively competing for the spot. Kaepernick worked behind Gabbert, mirroring his movements, but as he’s not cleared to take the field yet, there’s only so much he can do.

There will come a point when Kaepernick’s recovery will put him too far behind the curve to really have a chance to start in 2016. To be clear, we’re not there yet—he’s been at every offseason practice so far, and there’s only so far behind you can fall before the pads slip on—but if Kaepernick’s still not cleared after a week or two into training camp, then Gabbert will become the winner by default.

That’s not a great outcome. It’s fine if Gabbert wins the quarterback competition by his play on the field, but winning it by default is not exactly inspiring. Gabbert’s had some issues with interceptions during OTAs, but I wouldn’t read too much into that just yet; it’s difficult to both learn and execute a new offense at the same time. Still, competition can only make this position stronger, so it’s in the best interest of the 49ers and everyone else involved for Kaepernick to get healthy as soon as possible.

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