The San Francisco 49ers have used Carlos Hyde as a weapon in the passing game during practices this spring and Chip Kelly plans to carry that over into the season.

"He's got really, really good hands," Kelly said. "He made a really nice catch (on Tuesday) in the flats on a difficult throw. It's interesting from someone that size and that has that skill-set as a guy coming out of the backfield. So, it's certainly something we need to continue to build upon with him."

Hyde has never tallied more than 16 receptions in a season dating back to his days at Ohio State. In 2015, he totaled 11 catches for 53 yards in seven games.

"I think it's something that's overlooked, but this year we may get to see it," Hyde said. "I like playing receiver. It's another opportunity to get out in space and get the ball in your hands.

"To me, it's the feeling that you're taking over the game. The defense isn't just worried about your running the ball, they've got to worry about you coming out of the backfield, catching the ball and making plays after you catch the ball. It puts stress on the defense and opens up things for other people on the team."

Colin Kaepernick expressed excitement that he remains with the San Francisco 49ers after they were unable to fulfill his request for a trade this offseason.

Kaepernick was asked if he is confident his best chance for success is now with the 49ers.

“I’m very confident in that,” said Kaepernick.

Kaepernick answered questions for 18 minutes despite his usual brevity with the media.

“What Chip (Kelly), the coaching staff, my teammates have really done this offseason, and the work they’ve put in and how everything has been going, I’m very excited to be here,” Kaepernick said. “I’m very happy to be here. And looking forward to training camp.”

Kaepernick said he still has not spoken with Trent Baalke, but he declined to outline the reasons he requested the trade.

“Organizations at the end of the season go through and evaluate personnel and opportunities,” Kaepernick said. “That was something, I sat down with my team and did the same thing. That’s how we handled the business.

“We were looking at different opportunities. I don’t want to get into specifics of what happened, why things happened. At this point, everything is football. I’m a 49er. Once again, excited to work with Chip and this coaching staff, Curtis and Ryan have been amazing. I’m excited about what’s to come.”

Blaine Gabbert is the "heavy favorite" to win the San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterback job.

"He's loved in this locker room," Silver said of Gabbert. "He did a lot of good things last year and I'd be shocked if he's not the starter in the opener."

Gabbert is drawing comparisons to Alex Smith, who emerged later in his career.

Colin Kaepernick is recovering from three different offseason surgeries.

Colin Kaepernick won't be cleared to participate with the San Francisco 49ers during their minicamp.

The hope is Kaepernick will be cleared when camp opens at the end of July.

Offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins admitted last week he had "no idea" when the quarterback would be cleared.

Kaepernick will likely need to be substantially better than Blaine Gabbert in camp and in the preseason to win the job back.