Kaepernick Unimpressive in 49ers' Loss to Packers

Former starting QB completes just two passes in his first exhibition action of the summer

In the run-up to Friday night’s 49ers exhibition game vs. the Green Bay Packers, offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins said the quarterback competition was still wide open.

Blaine Gabbert had started the first two games, while Colin Kaepernick had been sidelined.

“It’s a competition, and Kap hasn’t had a chance to perform yet,” Modkins told the media.

His first performance, however, left much to be desired.

After Gabbert started a third straight game, Kaepernick came on in relief and completed just 2-of-6 throws for 14 yards in the Niners’ 21-10 loss to the Packers at Levi’s Stadium. His final three passes were incomplete, with two of them deflected by Green Bay defenders.

While he also ran four times for 18 yards, Kaepernick didn’t wow anyone with his passing accuracy, a skill that head coach Chip Kelly said would be a primary consideration in determining the starting quarterback for the regular-season opener Monday, Sept. 12 vs. the Rams.

Kaepernick’s three offensive series produced just one first down and three punts.

For now, at least, it appears Gabbert -- who was 2-of-3 for 14 yards Friday night -- has a more solid lead on the quarterback job. Kaepernick, meanwhile, will have this coming week and the final exhibition game against the Chargers Thursday night to make his case for the starting job.

Also Friday night, the 49ers suffered some injuries that could prove painful. Nose tackle Quinton Dial may have  sprained his medial collateral ligament, reported Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group, putting his status in doubt for the season opener. Wide receiver Bruce Ellington also left the game with a hamstring injury suffered on a punt return. Safety Eric Reid hurt his thumb early in the game, but returned.

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