Gabbert starts 49ers' 3rd preseason game over Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick will get his first action of the preseason Friday night, but he'll have to wait his turn.

The San Francisco 49ers announced that Blaine Gabbert will start at quarterback when the team takes on the Green Bay Packers.

Kaepernick, who missed the first two exhibition games with shoulder soreness, returned to practice this week, and is set to see his first on-field action since Week 9 of last season.

Head coach Chip Kelly has been adamant that he wants to give Kaepernick a chance to win the starting job despite missing the entire offseason program with various injuries. Gabbert, who started the team's first two exhibition contests, hasn't been overly impressive in his game action, but he's had much more experience in Kelly's system through the offseason.

The 49ers' top quarterback performer Friday should have a strong chance of being named the starter for Week 1.