SAN FRANCISCO – The 49ers’ only open practice of training camp did not supply their fans with much excitement.
Neither Blaine Gabbert nor Colin Kaepernick could get much going during the practice session other than completions on safe, underneath throws. Several fans were in attendance Wednesday at Kezar Stadium. The 49ers played at Kezar from the team's inception in 1946 before moving to Candlestick Park in 1971.
The only notable pass completion of the day was possible only because Gabbert’s pass slipped through the hands of leaping rookie cornerback Rashard Robinson deep along the left sideline. The ball ended up in Jerome Simpson’s grasp for a 35-yard touchdown during a 7-on-7 drill.
Gabbert completed 8 of 14 pass attempts during 11-on-11 periods, while Kaepernick went 3 of 8. Safety Antoine Bethea nearly picked off Kaepernick, who telegraphed an intermediate throw. Center Marcus Martin misconnected on two snaps to Kaepernick from the shotgun formation.
Earlier in the day, coach Chip Kelly said both quarterbacks will receive equal play time with the first-team offense before a starter is anointed for the start of the regular season.
“To make a fair evaluation, they both have to get reps with the ones,” Kelly said.
This 'n' that: About the only standout of the day was Bradley Pinion, who blasted three punts of approximately 65 yards (with the wind) during a punt/punt-return drill. ... Bruce Ellington muffed Pinion’s first punt, eliciting groans from the crowd. ... The only touchdown during a red-zone drill occurred when Thad Lewis found rookie receiver Devon Cajuste on a short toss along the back line of the end zone. ... Outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks beat left tackle Joe Staley for a sack on an inside move during a red-zone drill for a sack.
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Injury report: Defensive lineman Arik Armstead was held out of practice for a second consecutive day due to an apparent shoulder injury. Originally, Armstead was going to practice. But after individual drills, head athletic trainer Jeff Ferguson and defensive line coach Jerry Azzinaro decided to hold him out of team drills for another day.
