Kaepernick struggles in return
Former starter sees first action since November in loss to Packers
SANTA CLARA — Blaine Gabbert got the start once again, and Colin Kaepernick got nowhere in his exhibition-season debut.
Friday night’s 21-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers served as the most significant sign yet that Gabbert is winning the 49ers quarterback derby, if he hasn’t won it already.
Coach Chip Kelly said he’d review film and discuss his options before naming a starter for the Sept. 12 season opener. Kaepernick thinks that could still be him, as his confidence wasn’t shaken by an unproductive, three-series, 12snap debut.
“That’s really up to Chip and the coaching staff, but in my mind, I can go out and win it,” Kaepernick said. “Next game I have to be more productive and put points on the board. Ultimately that’s what you want to do as an offense and as a quarterback. That will be a big thing next week.” The 49ers visit the San Diego Chargers in Thursday’s exhibition finale, a typically meaningless game that Kaepernick hasn’t played in since 2013.
After customarily going three-and-out on the opening series, Gabbert engineered a touchdown drive on his next — and final — possession. It was the third straight exhibition Gabbert has left on a touch down drive high note.
“We’ve scored points when I’ve been there,” Gabbert said. “For the most part, the ball’s been delivered on time. We’ve been inconsistent, but we have a picture of what we can do when we’re in a rhythm.”
After a sustained Packers drive, Kelly summoned Kaepernick in the second quarter for the embattled quarterback’s first — and only — snaps since November.
A half-filled Levi’s Stadium greeted Kaepernick’s debut with loud cheers. But there wasn’t much more to cheer from old No. 7. He converted a third-down pass to DeAndrew White on his opening series, then went three-and-out on his final two possessions.
Kaepernick looked indecisive and rusty, which was understandable after he missed the first two exhibitions and a week of practice with a sore shoulder. Health issues also limited him throughout the offseason program from April to June.
“No, I don’t think there was rust,” Kaepernick said. “It just felt good being back on the field. Wish we had done a little bit more but it was good to get out there and get my feet wet.”
If Kaepernick needed a flawless outing — and more than a quarter — to leap Gabbert on the depth chart, it didn’t happen, and he didn’t lead the 49ers past their 36-yard line in three series. The first-string unit stayed in for Kaepernick with the exception of left guard Zane Beadles being replaced by Joshua Garnett.
Kaepernick was 2-of-6 passing in his only quarter of action, and his final three passes were deflected incomplete by the Packers. He ran four times (for 18 yards) on 12 snaps in the quarter, far from his 181yard rushing effort against the Packers in his playoff debut in January 2013.
Meanwhile, Cal product and Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers enjoyed a better exhibition debut, going 6 of 9 for 60 yards with a game-tying touchdown pass. Rodgers faced a 49ers defense that did not suit up safety Antoine Bethea and linebackers NaVorro Bowman and Ahmad Brooks (healthy scratches), as well as defensive tackles Arik Armstead (shoulder) and Glenn Dorsey (knee).
Gabbert was only 2 of 3 for 14 yards, but he’s produced a touchdown drive in each exhibition, and he’s left the game after each score. His combined stat line: 12 of 22, 146 yards, no interceptions, no sacks and no fumbles.
“It’s nice to end on a touchdown but being a competitor you want to be out there as much as possible,” Gabbert said.
Three key impressions
1. Injuries mount: The quarterback drama overshadowed injuries to several starters: running back Carlos Hyde (concussion), defensive tackle Quinton Dial (left knee), wide receiver Bruce Ellington (hamstring), safety Eric Reid (right thumb) and nose tackle Mike Purcell (left arm). Hyde’s concussion was revealed by a team spokesman after the game. He had a 27-yard run to set up the 49ers’ first touchdown. It’s believed that Dial suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament, which could put his availability in doubt for the Sept. 12 season opener. If Ellington has added to his injury-plagued career, this could boost DeAndrew White’s roster bid as Ellington’s understudy as the slot receiver.
2. Starting offense OK: It’s hard to see the 49ers veering away from the starting offense they fielded this game. While Gabbert became further entrenched in his role, he did so behind a new-look offensive line, with converted right tackle Anthony Davis debuting at right guard. Joshua Garnett came out strong in replacing Zane Beadles at left guard on the third series, so Garnett could be in play for a starting role, too.
3. Secondary shuffle: The 49ers need this exhibition season to sort out which defensive backs to keep, and several backups got a chance to show their worth after solid outings by starting cornerbacks Tramaine Brock and Jimmie Ward. Chris Davis and Marcus Cromartie surrendered touchdown catches. Will Redmond made his 49ers debut as a nickel back and recorded a sack on a blitz from the slot.
Three who helped themselves
1. Running back Carlos Hyde: It’s always good when the offensive catalyst comes through in the most important exhibition. Hyde cut loose for a 27-yard run to the 3-yard line, setting up the 49ers’ first touchdown (a 3-yard run by Quinton Patton on a lateral pass by Gabbert).
2. Right guard Anthony Davis: Once among the league’s best right tackles, Davis made his debut at right guard, where he drew the starting nod and impressed. Davis didn’t dominate but didn’t falter. With Trent Brown entrenched as the starting right tackle, Davis needs to transition well, otherwise he’ll be a swing tackle or trade bait to tackle-needy teams.
3. Outside linebacker Tank Carradine: Never has Carradine looked so fast as a pass rusher, and his slimmer body helped shoot him toward a second-quarter sack of Joe Callahan, Rodgers’replacement. Carr a di ne earlier had solid pressure in the first quarter but drew a hands-to-the-face penalty.
Three who hurt themselves
1. Nickel back Chris Davis: Randall Cobb has been a thorn in many meetings against the 49ers, and this time he exposed Chris Davis’ weakness as the 49ers’ nickel back. Cobb beat Davis for three receptions on the Packers’ first touchdown drive, culminating with Rodgers’ 6-yard scoring pass to Cobb against Davis. Officials penalized Davis for holding on a second-quarter punt return.
2. Linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong: A taunting penalty at the end of the first half underscored perhaps the biggest issue with him: emotional control. Armstrong was having a solid game. But if he can’t keep his emotions in check, that could prove costly, especially with this year’s new rule of disqualification after two unsportsmanlikeconduct penalties.
3. Safety Marcus C rom artie: Sitting on the roster bubble amid a slew of young defensive backs, Cromartie allowed a go-ahead touchdown pass to the Packers in the third quarter.
For more on the 49ers, see Cam Inman’s Hot Read blog at blogs.mercurynews. com/49ers. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ Cam Inman.