Chip Kelly says the preseason will likely decide 49ers' quarterback battle
The San Francisco 49ers are one of just a few teams that has yet to decide on a starting quarterback to open the season. The Cleveland Browns are another, but no team is further from selecting a starter than Chip Kelly’s 49ers.
Both Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert are legitimate options to start Week 1, with each offering different skill sets. And though Kelly has been reluctant to hint at who he’s leaning toward, he did offer some insight on what will determine the winner.
It’s not often that a team plays its starting quarterback extensively in the preseason due to fear of injury, but the 49ers don’t have much of a choice. Seeing how each quarterback handles getting hit and playing under pressure will be a big determinant for who wins the job.
For now, they’ll split reps in practice. Kelly said it doesn’t matter who gets the first reps or who gets the second ones – it’s all a matter of getting each player equal opportunities.
The 49ers kick off their preseason slate against the Texans on August 14, followed by games with the Broncos, Packers and Chargers.
