Advertisement

Colin Kaepernick resumes starting quarterback role with 49ers

San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick warms up before a game against Arizona on Oct. 6.
(Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)
Share

Colin Kaepernick, the NFL’s most talked-about backup quarterback, is back in the starting lineup for San Francisco.

Coach Chip Kelly informed reporters Tuesday that Kaepernick will replace Blaine Gabbert as 49ers starter for Sunday’s game at Buffalo. San Francisco has lost four in a row since beating the Rams in Week 1.

Asked how the quarterbacks took the news, Kelly said: “They were fine. They’re both professionals. They understand. Obviously, the discussion with Kap was different than it was with Blaine.

Advertisement

Kaepernick made national news this season by kneeling in protest during the pregame national anthem, refusing, he said, “to show pride in a flag that oppresses black people and people of color.” He has taken three snaps this season, all handoffs at the end of the 28-0 win over the Rams.

He was benched last November by then-coach Jim Tomsula, who made Gabbert the starter. Since, Gabbert has gone 4-9, and this season has a 69.6 passer rating, second-worst among regular starters to the New York Jets’ Ryan Fitzpatrick (64.8).

sam.farmer@latimes.com

Follow Sam Farmer on Twitter @LATimesfarmer

MORE SPORTS NEWS

Advertisement

Greg Hardy wants to go from the NFL to MMA

Browns quarterback Cody Kessler may not be available

The Dallas Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott is off to a great start, but history is beyond the horizon

Advertisement