"I think if they're really serious about Kaepernick being in a competition, he's got to start this week and he's got to play significantly this week," said Sacco. "How else can you judge him in an offense that he's barely had any time in? And even past this week, I think he's got to play in Week 4 too."
Sacco would go on to discuss Kaepernick's regression over the years and Gabbert, who could have been considered the league's worst starting quarterback during his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, improving despite having a poor coaching staff last season. Sacco wonders what Gabbert can do under a more proven coach like Chip Kelly. Of course, there is the argument that Kelly could be the guy needed to revive Kaepernick's career.
RELATED
"I think the ceiling on Gabbert is only so high," said Sacco. "I think you're going to see probably an Alex Smith-like performance where he plays safe football, which isn't the worst thing in the world. I'd like to call him a placeholder. Although, I don't know who he's holding the place for."
Sacco brings up an interesting question regarding the team's game against the Green Bay Packers on Friday. The third game of the season is typically the "dress rehearsal" for starters. You have to have Kaepernick in there with the starters to evaluate him. If Gabbert ends up being the regular season starter and you have Kaepernick with the first-team on Friday, how much does that hurt the chemistry of the eventual starting offense?
"I think he's got to have three or four 'wow' moments out there," said Sacco when asking what Kaepernick has to do against Green Bay to win the starting job. "When Kaepernick's on, he's one of the most exciting players in the league. He really is. He just hasn't been on in a long time."
Sacco also goes on to discuss the team's wide receivers, their lack of rhythm with the team's quarterbacks, the potential of TE Vance McDonald, the team's fumbling issues, Jim O'Neil's defense, Chip Kelly, and more.
You can listen to the entire interview here or by using the link within the following Tweet.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Should the 49ers trade Mac Jones or retain him as a backup?
With Brock Purdy entrenched as the starter, the acquisition of Mac Jones as a backup in 2025 added a new dimension to the team's quarterback room. After navigating a challenging period in Foxborough, first-round draft pick Jones (15th overall) eventually made a successful... -
Will the 49ers draft a WR in Round 1? Two mocks address the same need
The San Francisco 49ers could take several paths with their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Help in the trenches—both on the offensive and defensive lines—remains a priority. The secondary could also use reinforcements. There's even a scenario in which the 49ers add... -
Barnwell proposes Mac Jones trade the 49ers might not be able to refuse
The San Francisco 49ers have consistently maintained that Mac Jones remains part of their plans for the 2026 NFL season. The veteran quarterback signed a two-year deal last offseason, keeping him under contract through 2026 and out of free agency until 2027. That means any... -
Where 49ers QB Brock Purdy landed in PFF's top 101 players of 2025
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy appeared in just nine games during the 2025 NFL season, missing eight contests due to a turf toe injury suffered in Week 1. Still, the former final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft did more than enough to earn recognition from Pro Football...