The Facts: HC Chip Kelly, who has been asked often about Colin Kaepernick, shared his thoughts about Gabbert on Wednesday at the NFL owners meetings while fielding a question. "(I'm) impressed with Blaine," said Kelly, who met with Gabbert once in person and talked to him multiple times over the phone since taking the job.
Diehards Line:
Kaepernick’s status has ranked near the top of the list of NFL storylines this offseason. But while there is still no certainty where Kaepernick will play this season, there is no question Gabbert will be involved in the 49ers’ quarterback competition that will play out before the opening of the regular season. And as Kelly pointed out, “You watch him the last couple of games he started. He’s another guy; you look at his skill set. He took off against the Bears and went (44) yards for a touchdown. He ran 4.61 in the combine when he was coming out. He’s big. I’d never really dealt with Blaine because he came into the league before I came into the league, but just how big and physical and impressive he is. He’s a 6-4, 245-pound guy that can really run. I thought the last part of the season he played really well. It’ll be intriguing to work with him, too.” If Kaepernick remains with the team this offseason, there will be a competition involving at least those two players.