San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert was seen warming up with practice squad players prior to the team's game against the Atlanta Falcons. Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, who first noticed it, suggested that it likely meant that Christian Ponder would be the backup quarterback for the 49ers today.
That was later confirmed when Gabbert appeared on the team's list of inactive players against the Falcons. Today will be the first time that Ponder has been active this season.
Inactive against Falcons: QB Blaine Gabbert, LB Gerald Hodges, LT Joe Staley, WR Torrey Smith, OL Josh Allen, RB Mike Davis, DL Tony Jerod-Eddie
Of course, Colin Kaepernick remains as the team's starter. At 1-12 heading into the game, some fans have been curious to at least see if the team has anything in Ponder. Kevin Jones of KNBR has believed that elevating Ponder to the backup quarterback spot has seemed like a logical move.
The #49ers announce Michael Wilhoite will start in place of Gerald Hodges and Aaron Burbridge gets the call for injured Torrey Smith.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) December 18, 2016
Ponder was signed by the 49ers on August 16 after a shoulder injury to Kaepernick prevented him from participating in team practices. Ponder beat out rookie Jeff Driskel for the third quarterback spot on the team.
Ponder was drafted in 2011 by the Minnesota Vikings with the 12th overall pick. He would go on to start 26 games during his first two seasons with the Vikings. His best season came in 2012 when he started all 16 games for the Vikings, completing 62.1 percent of his passes for 2,935 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.