The San Francisco 49ers report to training camp on July 30, with the first on-field workout scheduled for the following day at their facilities adjacent to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Here’s a closer look at the 49ers' camp, which wraps up in late August:
Top storyline: The big question during the offseason was whether or not quarterback Colin Kaepernick would be traded. He wasn’t, and after multiple surgeries, the Niners former starter said he is ready to get his job back. The only problem is Blaine Gabbert is standing in his way. Gabbert has a good grasp of coach Chip Kelly’s offense, and many in the organization see him as a better fit than Kaepernick, whose passing acumen has been questionable at times. Kaepernick is clearly the better athlete and has a new attitude following his tumultuous 2015. Gabbert has the edge heading into camp, but Kap could make a strong push if his health holds up.
If Kelly wavers on a QB decision, it could mean trouble: Kelly must make his decision on a starting quarterback quickly and stick by it. The last thing the former Philadelphia Eagles coach needs in his inaugural year with the 49ers is to have a controversy lingering into the regular season.
Player who will have the fans buzzing: It’s tough to imagine linebacker Na’Vorro Bowman having a much better season than he did in 2015, when he led the NFL in tackles, but that’s just what the four-time All-Pro intends to do. He is two years removed from left knee surgery, with no lingering health concerns. He looked extremely sharp during offseason workouts. Bowman will be the centerpiece on a defense that should be at least nominally improved.
Position battle worth watching: The duel between Kaepernick and Gabbert notwithstanding, it will be interesting to see who emerges as the starting tight end. Veterans Vance McDonald and Garrett Celek are atop the depth chart going into camp, but don’t be surprised if converted fullback Bruce Miller enters the mix. Miller is still learning the nuances of the position, but he has good hands and can also help out on special teams.
The rookie who should start: The second of San Francisco’s two first-round draft picks, guard Joshua Garnett, should get significant playing time and could be a cornerstone for the offensive line. The only question is where. Zane Beadles was signed in the offseason and took the majority of reps at right guard in the offseason, while Andrew Tiller and Alex Balducci were the top two players at left guard. Garnett can play both positions well and showed some of that aptitude during the 49ers' final minicamp.
Veteran whose job is in jeopardy: Journeyman Erik Pears was the 49ers' primary starting right tackle in 2015, but it’s going to be tough for him to hold on to the job this season. Trent Brown, a 355-pound behemoth and the team’s seventh-round pick a year ago, should make a strong bid for the job. Brown started two games late in his rookie season and got some time in with the starters during the offseason, so expect the two to alternate early in camp before a starter emerges. There had been speculation former first-round pick Anthony Davis was coming out of retirement, but talks between the two sides didn’t go very far.
Who will step in for suspended LB Aaron Lynch? Lynch started 13 games and had 6½ sacks in 2015, but he will miss the first month of the 2016 campaign while serving a four-game NFL suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Although the 49ers have a few options for a replacement, Eli Harold appears to be the front-runner.
What happens if Torrey Smith gets hurt? Then the 49ers and Kelly can kiss their hopes of a rejuvenated offense goodbye. Smith is one of only three wide receivers on the roster who has more than 40 career receptions. The other two -- Jerome Simpson (150) and Quinton Patton (56) -- have only been mildly productive. The good news is Smith has not missed a game in five NFL seasons. He’ll be the focal point of the passing game, but it’s imperative San Francisco finds a reliable No. 2 wide receiver.
What fans will be saying after camp: That 2015's train wreck of a season is a distant memory. The 49ers have a plethora of question marks up and down the roster, but they appear -- at least on paper -- to be better than they were a year ago. Besides, things couldn’t possibly get worse ... or could they?
For daily updates at camp, check out the San Francisco 49ers clubhouse page.