Niner Noise
FanSided

Predicting 49ers 2016 Depth Chart Amid Training Camp

By Peter Panacy

Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
23 of 23
Next
Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterback

V1.0 Assessment:

Starter: Blaine Gabbert

Backup: Colin Kaepernick

V2.0 Assessment:

No changes.

Yes, Blaine Gabbert still retains the starting job over Colin Kaepernick at quarterback to start the season.

Both signal-callers have had mixed reviews during training camp so far. Gabbert has looked good at times, only to be hindered by some interceptions. And Kaepernick, while being able to make some solid throws of his own, also has had his share of accuracy problems.

And, as Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News pointed out, the camp competition between these two looks pretty even so far:

Head coach Chip Kelly is trying to give each quarterback equal reps during training camp, and it’s clear he’s not ready to reveal any sort of preference just yet.

But what will end up separating Gabbert from Kaepernick is the notion the latter will have to soundly beat Gabbert in camp and during the preseason. Simply matching Gabbert stride for stride won’t be good enough for Kap.

Who knows whether or not Gabbert retains the starting gig all season. It’s entirely possible — perhaps noteworthy, because Kap was delayed in working with the offense earlier this season — Kaepernick takes back the starting job at some point in 2016 if Gabbert struggles.

More from Niner Noise

For now, the job looks to be going in Gabbert’s favor.

Next: Early 49ers Training Camp Stock Watch for San Francisco

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.