Backup quarterback situation coming into focus for 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are sorting through their depth chart at quarterback as they will flip-flop how Josh Johnson and Scott Tolzien are used as the third and fourth quarterbacks in Saturday’s preseason game at Houston.

Tolzien impressed completing 10 of 13 passes in the preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings as he started the second half. Johnson will get more meaningful snaps this time, according to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle.

What is not being debated is the status of Colin Kaepernick, the second-round draft pick from a year ago. He is now entrenched as the No. 2 behind Alex Smith.

“I would say Colin has emerged there,” 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “It's been very good. Nothing is set in stone in that regard, but there has been some emergence.”

Harbaugh did not rule out the possibility the team keeps four quarterbacks as Tolzien could be an option for the eight-man practice squad.
 

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune