49ers Training Camp: Early Stock Watch for San Francisco
By Peter Panacy
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick
So the quarterback competition has begun, and Colin Kaepernick is poised to battle it out with incumbent starter Blaine Gabbert.
Kaepernick and Gabbert have both shared some up-and-down moments through training camp so far, which might lead some to believe the former has an edge to take over the starting role. Even Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News‘ assessments from Day 3 suggest Kap could be in the lead here:
#49ers first padded practice goes 2:15 hours.
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) August 2, 2016
QB Watch:
Gabbert 6/12, 3 in a row batted down
Kaepernick 7/11, nice 20-yarder to White
Here’s the catch — Kaepernick doesn’t just have to match Gabbert stride for stride. Kap has to prove, beyond doubts, he is the clear-cut better option than the guy who took his starting job last season.
Even if this happens, it’s entirely possible the Niners feel more comfortable with Gabbert under center than Kaepernick.
Right now, the battle between Kaepernick and Gabbert appears to be even.
And that’s not a good thing for Kap. As such, his stock will fall until, well, it rises. There isn’t any “even” stock grade here.
Stock: Falling
Next: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert