"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
-
49ers injury update: 9 players miss Tuesday's practice
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa was among the players who did not practice on Tuesday, though his absence was not unexpected. During a radio interview Tuesday morning, general manager John Lynch said Bosa is not expected to participate until Wednesday, the team's... -
Patrick Willis gives stamp of approval to 49ers rookie linebacker
The Jaden Dugger hype train got a little bigger Thursday night, courtesy of legendary San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis. Willis took to social media while watching the 49ers in action in their preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday and gave... -
Why 49ers' Kyle Shanahan refused to name players who stood out vs. Raiders
A few San Francisco 49ers players made positive impressions on head coach Kyle Shanahan during Thursday night's preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders. However, Shanahan opted to remain tight-lipped about his personnel evaluations, giving reporters little insight into his... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan shifts focus to regular season: "It's going to get real, real fast"
The 2026 NFL preseason is in the books, and the San Francisco 49ers finished their exhibition schedule with an 18-12 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Now, the focus shifts to the regular season, with San Francisco set to face the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, in Week...