Ex-NFL coach Edwards: Gabbert hasn't won 49ers' heart

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The 49ers after two exhibtion games are yet to name a starting quarterback for Week 1 of the 2016 regular season.

Blaine Gabbert has had a leg up, starting both preseason games, while Colin Kaepernick has been out due to arm fatigue.

Kaepernick, according to head coach Chip Kelly, is "on track" to resume the quarterback battle Friday in the team's third exhibition game in which they host Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.

Herm Edwards, former head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets, offered his opinion of the state of the 49ers' QB competition.

"We watched (Kaepernick) a couple years back when he lit up the Green Bay Packers," Edwards said Wednesday on NFL Live. "With his ability to run and throw, he was magnificent. He has the DNA that fits the quarterback mineral of what Chip Kelly would like to have.

"Chip Kelly was at Oregon, Marcus Mariota was his quarterback...There's a skill set that says these guys match up for what Chip Kelly wants to do. (Kaepernick's) the guy that can make the explosive play.

[MAIOCCO: Kelly: Kaepernick on track to play Friday vs. Packers]

Edwards then elaborated on why the competition is still advertised as open, offering a coach's perspective.

"Gabbert right now—when a coach says they're still competing, think about this, still competing, they've been practicing since OTAs. And it's still an open competition.

"Blaine Gabbert hasn't won their heart. (Kaepernick) is still in the mix.

Gabbert through two exhibition games is 10-for-19 with 132 passing yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. 

Gabbert also rushed for 18 yards on three carries.  

But Edwards clarified it's not a given that Kaepernick steps into the starting role upon his return, citing areas Kaepernick needs to improve to reclaim the job under Kelly.

"His decision making with the football. And then his ability to be accurate when he throws the football. That is a Chip Kelly offense."

Kaepernick resumed full practice this week without any limitations on his number of throws.

He did not practice from Aug. 11 to Monday due to experiencing arm fatigue. He has resumed a full workload with no “pitch count.”

“He’s been sharp with all the things mentally,” Kelly told reporters. “There’s always a little -- when you take some time off from the physical –- there may be a ball that was behind from a timing standpoint, but there’s no indecision where he doesn’t know where he’s going.”

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