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Report: Gabbert 'heavy favorite' to be named 49ers' starting QB

Kelley L Cox / USA TODAY Sports

Blaine Gabbert is the "heavy favorite" to win the San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback job over Colin Kaepernick, according to NFL Network's Mike Silver.

The 49ers have kept the stance that Kaepernick hasn't fallen behind Gabbert in the competition as he recovers from a trio of offseason surgeries, but as the team gets further into the installation of Chip Kelly's offense, Kaepernick's chances decrease.

Silver says Gabbert has a much better locker room presence than his competitor.

"He's loved in this locker room," Silver said of Gabbert. "He did a lot of good things last year and I'd be shocked if he's not the starter in the opener."

Gabbert posted one more win than Kaepernick in 2015 and endeared himself to teammates. Niners tight end Garrett Celek proclaimed Gabbert was "definitely taking control" during offseason workouts in May.

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