Kemp Gets His Chance Against Rams

San Francisco quarterback Jeff Kemp, who didn’t get much of a chance in his five years with the Rams, will start in place of injured Joe Montana against his old teammates Sunday when the 49ers and Rams play in Anaheim Stadium.

The decision was made Friday by 49ers Coach Bill Walsh, who was convinced that Montana would not be ready to play.

Montana injured his back in last Sunday’s victory over Tampa Bay and has not practiced all week.

Kemp said he suspected all along he might play but wasn’t officially informed until Friday’s team meeting.

Kemp admitted it was ironic that his first regular-season start would come against his old team.

“Crazy things have happened all along,” Kemp said. “So it’s not terribly hard to believe.”

Kemp served primarily as a backup during his years with the Rams. He was 9-4 as a starter in 1984, when he replaced an injured Vince Ferragamo in the third game of the season. Kemp led the Rams to the playoffs, but they lost in the first round to the New York Giants.

The Rams traded two fourth-round picks and Kemp to the 49ers last April for the third-round pick they used to draft University of Washington quarterback Hugh Millen.

What kind of reaction is Kemp expecting?

“I’m not worried about the reception at the beginning of the game,” Kemp said. “I’m just worried about what it will be at the end. Maybe I’ll hear a few boos when we beat the Rams.”