Colin Kaepernick benched, Blaine Gabbert will get the start against Falcons
First reported by Kyle McLorg of Bay Area Sports Guy and confirmed by Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area, San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has been told that QB Blaine Gabbert will start on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.
Kaepernick has struggled for much of the season behind a makeshift offensive line. He has completed 59.3 percent of his passes for 1,615 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions this season.
On Sunday, Kaepernick was 20 of 41 for 162 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in a 27-6 loss to the St. Louis Rams. Kaepernick was the team's leading rusher with 28 yards.
One particularly embarrassing play came during the first half when Kaepernick missed a totally uncovered WR Torrey Smith. Making matters worse is that he was uncovered prior to the ball being snapped, waving his arms and jumping up and down to get the attention of his quarterback. WR Jerome Simpson also became uncovered just prior to the ball being snapped. The 49ers ran the ball on that play and were quickly stopped.
49ers Colin Kaepernick doesn't see open receiver
During a solid preseason, Gabbert was 23 of 28 (82.1%) for 203 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions.
Following Sunday's loss, it was
reported by Jason Cole of Bleacher Report that two 49ers had texted him saying that "it is time for Colin Kaepernick to be benched." It is unknown which two players said that and Cole went on to say that the players didn't want Kaepernick to be out of the plans for the 49ers. They believe that Kaepernick is going in the right direction as far as getting along with his teammates, but feel that he needs time on the bench to get his head and himself straight.
Earlier today, writer Al Sacco wrote an article saying that
the time has come to pull the plug on Kaepernick.
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