49ers Coach Jim Harbaugh Says Backup QB Position Is Up For Grabs

Alex Smith is the 49ers' unquestioned starting quarterback. But as the team ended minicamp Thursday, coach Jim Harbaugh indicated that the backup position remains wide open, Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News reports. Last season's No. 2, Colin Kaepernick, newcomer Josh Johnson and Scott Tolzien all looked good during the three days of workouts, Harbaugh said, and should have a spirited competition next month when training camp begins. "All three of those guys are going to play a long time in this league, in our opinion," Harbaugh said. "But the competition for No. 2 and No. 3 will be there when we get to training camp. That will unfold with the practices and the preseason games. That will be very exciting." "Alex definitely separated himself even more from where he was, which already was a lot coming out of last season," the coach said. "He's the solid starter. I don't think anybody questions that. But nothing is set in stone behind him." While Harbaugh added that Tolzien and Johnson "had really fine offseasons," he singled out Kaepernick for praise Thursday. "Colin had a near perfect day today," he said.

Source: The Redzone
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