Blaine Gabbert

Chip Kelly won't say Blaine Gabbert has a 'leg up' on Colin Kaepernick just yet

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:27 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The San Francisco 49ers got their first taste of preseason action on Sunday night against the Houston Texans. In doing so, the coaching staff got a look at the looming quarterback battle. Well, half of it, at least.

Colin Kaepernick sat with shoulder fatigue, giving way to Blaine Gabbert under center. Gabbert had an “up and down” performance, according to Chip Kelly, but it seemed to be more down than it was up. He completed just 4 of 10 passes for 63 yards and a touchdown, but the “up” was essentially his availability.

Seeing as Kaepernick wasn’t able to take the field and show Kelly what he can do, Gabbert might very well become the default starter based on his health. Kelly doesn’t necessarily see it that way, though. At least not yet.

Kaepernick hopes to get healthy enough to play in the team’s second preseason game Saturday against the Denver Broncos. Kelly wouldn’t say whether Kaepernick would run with the first-team offense if healthy.

Kelly has been non-committal on the quarterback battle all offseason and has said the preseason will play a huge role in who wins out. Translation: Kaepernick has to play to have a fighting chance.

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Blaine Gabbert

San Francisco 49ers

National Football League