San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly spoke to the media today prior to the team's first practice of training camp and addressed a number of topics.
Quarterback battle
Kelly stated that Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick would split the first-team (and second-team) quarterback snaps today with 12 each.
Kelly was asked what he wanted to see out of the two during practices. "First and foremost, who can move the team the best," answered Kelly. "You're always looking for which quarterback can handle what they're doing and get the team in the end zone. Obviously you have to protect the ball in doing that so we're excited to see it. I think Kap did a great job in the offseason. He was limited, but whatever he could do, he did."
Kelly said that it will be good to see Kaepernick "full go" today and that they have full confidence in both quarterbacks.
"Mentally, the one thing that impressed me was how sharp he was in staying on top of everything," Kelly said of Kaepernick. "As I said, he was in every single meeting, asking really really intelligent questions. He seems like he picked things up really quickly."
Kelly stated that during the offseason, there were times when he had more interaction with Kaepernick than the other quarterbacks because he was standing back there with him while the others took part in practice. "Mentally, he was really sharp in the spring," said Kelly.
Anthony Davis
Kelly said that OT Anthony Davis did a good job with his conditioning test, but would start at the bottom of the depth chart because he has not had time with the team to learn the offense. He will rotate with Erik Pears, Trent Brown, and John Theus.
Kelly confirmed that the team has had discussions with Davis about the friction from the offseason and everything is moving forward from that.
Injuries
SS Jaquiski Tartt will be the only player who won't practice. He has a minor injury – a muscle teak that resulted in him being placed on the active/non-football injury list. He can be activated at any time during training camp.
The team will be cautious with DL Glenn Dorsey, SS L.J. McCray, and CB Will Redmond. Redmond and the others will practice, but won't be "full go." The team will "ramp it up with them" says Kelly.
The team does not yet know if the leg injury to NT Ian Williams, who was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list on Saturday, is career threatening. "I wouldn't rule him out of anything long-term. I just know he wouldn't be able to play this year," said Kelly.
