Barkley will compete with rookie C.J. Beathard for the primary backup quarterback role this preseason, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
Initially, it seemed that No. 2 duties were on lock for Barkley, but Beathard's rapid progression has allowed a competition to emerge. The 26-year-old still figures to have an edge on the backup gig due to his prior NFL experience, but with a new coaching regime in town, the playing field may be more even than expected. Considering starter Brian Hoyer's lengthy injury history, whoever comes out of camp as the 49ers' primary backup will have a decent shot as seeing the field at some point this season.