49ers' Blaine Gabbert: One step closer to becoming starter

With Colin Kaepernick (shoulder) already ruled out for Saturday's preseason game against the Broncos, Gabbert takes another step closer to becoming the team's starter come Week 1.

Analysis:

We thought we would see a true competition for the starting quarterback job in San Francisco this preseason, but a shoulder injury has derailed Kaepernick's opportunity, opening the door for Gabbert to seize the job. While this news gives Gabbert a big lead, the 49ers' coaching staff has remained adamant about getting Kaepernick into a game as early as next week against the Cowboys, indicating that they still want to have a competition for the job heading into the season. That being said, time is becoming a major issue for Kaepernick and Gabbert may simply win the job by default, especially if the former isn't able to suit up next week either.