Colin Kaepernick might be listed as a co-starter for the 49ers, but Blaine Gabbert was the only one taking first-team reps yesterday.
According to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, Kaepernick didn’t practice with what coach Chip Kelly termed a “planned rest day.”
Kaepernick was out on the field but didn’t throw, taking the “mental reps” and watching Gabbert lead the team through the team periods.
The former starter spent the offseason rehabbing after surgeries to his right thumb, left knee and left shoulder. But he’s also been spotted with trainers getting his right shoulder looked at, perhaps a reflection of his workload during camp.
He’s expected to be back on the field today for joint practices with the Texans, but where he stands in the big picture remains unclear. The sense is that Gabbert is leading the way in the race for the starting job, though Kelly hasn’t given any indication who’s starting the preseason opener.