The San Francisco 49ers have decided to bench Blaine Gabbert in favor of Colin Kaepernick.
After struggling to a 1-4 start this season, head coach Chip Kelly and the San Francisco coaching staff have made a change:
Kelly on decision to start @Kaepernick7: "We need to improve on the offensive side of the ball & this is the decision we’ve made." #SFvsBUF
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 11, 2016
#49ers (1-4) switch to Colin Kaepernick as starting QB https://t.co/QOFt3kXWHZ pic.twitter.com/MDPrboeYgK
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) October 11, 2016
As usual, #49ers QB Colin Kaepernick was first guy out of locker room and into weight room just minutes before Chip Kelly spoke to media.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) October 11, 2016
It’s not a surprising turn of events by any means. Gabbert hasn’t exactly played inspiring football, throwing five touchdowns to six interceptions while completing less than 60 percent of his passes.
Kaepernick didn’t get the nod as starter after losing weight over the summer while working his way back from an injury. Since, he’s seized national attention while serving as the backup for his protests of the national anthem. It remains to be seen whether a contractual restructure played a role in Kaepernick’s promotion.
Over five up-and-down seasons, Kaepernick has thrown for 56 touchdowns and 26 interceptions with another 11 scores on the ground.
