Since then, Kaepernick has focused his attention toward regaining his 49ers starting role, and he seems to have struck a good relationship with coach Chip Kelly, offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins and quarterbacks coach Ryan Day. Both quarterbacks, who started eight games apiece in 2015, explained that their mindset this August will be no different than any other year.
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“There’s not many times when you look through all 32 teams in 16 games that one guy just starts all 16 games, because of the nature of the position and the physicality that position gets”, Kelly said. The goal of the throwing session: “You’ve just got to get the rust off”, Smith said. He’s been very open to it. He’s a big communications guy so we’ve been able to have open dialog with him especially a lot of the older guys.
Gabbert played his first three years in Jacksonville before jumping to the 49ers in 2014. But with the injuries that have slowed down Kaepernick, Kelly is leaning towards having Gabbert take over the quarterback chores at the start of the season.
Baalke was on the field for Sunday’s 90-minute practice and watched as Kaepernick and Gabbert modestly fulfilled their duties of completing short, quick passes in the fast-paced offense.
That’s because Gabbert said everyonealways be looking tocompete for a job, which he did a year ago in seizing Kaepernick’s. Obviously, you have to protect the ball in doing that. “You prepare like you’re the starter, go out there and play like you’re the starter and let your play take care of itself”. “So it’s good to have two”.
Things began falling into place Friday when Stanford’s Joshua Garnett, a projected starter at guard, signed his rookie contract, and continued Saturday when veteran right tackle Anthony Davis was formally reinstated by the NFL. I can’t wait to see how Chip can incorporate a player with Kap’s ability into his offense. Kaepernick took mental reps and did some walk through work with the offense in the spring but Sunday gave him a chance to drive the offense for the first time from behind center.
Kaepernick’s health was a major storyline through the offseason following a trio of surgeries.
Mission accomplished, expressed No. 7.
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Kaepernick said he was fully back physically and said he no longer looked like his high school photo. “I’m ready to roll”.
