Head coach Chip Kelly said Kaepernick will play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Chargers, The Sacramento Bee reports.

EDGE Analysis

Speaking after Friday's preseason game against the Broncos, head coach Chip Kelly said Kaepernick is still competing with Blaine Gabbert for the starting quarterback job. It may be a competition in name only, as Kelly conspicuously failed to say whether Gabbert will play Thursday against the Chargers. Kaepernick made his first appearance of the preseason Friday, leading the 49ers to just one first down on his three drives. Although Gabbert also hasn't shown much this preseason, he has taken far more first-team reps due to Kaepernick's bout with shoulder soreness. The upcoming preseason game could determine whether Kaepernick is retained as a backup, traded or released.