Not surprisingly, Chip Kelly has announced Colin Kaepernick as the San Francisco 49ers starter heading into Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Chip Kelly announces Colin Kaepernick will start at QB vs. the Bucs in Week 7.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 17, 2016
Really, this was the only thing Kelly could do. Kaepernick wasn’t a big winner Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, but he also didn’t turn the ball over and showed some good things in the midst of his struggles.
Finishing with 187 yards on 13-of-29 passing, one touchdown and no interceptions, he was clearly rusty on a windy day in Western New York. Even his big touchdown pass to Torrey Smith was well short, thanks to busted coverage in Buffalo’s defensive secondary.
Kap did manage to make some big gains on the ground, going for 66 yards and evading what appeared to be a sure safety at one point.
But going back to Gabbert right now is just not happening. He was completely incapable of moving the offense, whereas Kaepernick displayed some level of competence, especially early in the game.
Now, if the quarterback doesn’t play well next Sunday at home against the hapless Tampa Bay Buccaneers, then it might legitimately be Christian Ponder time in San Francisco. And, if you believe the rumor, some 49ers players might actually be on board with such a move.
But for now, it’s the Kaepernick show. And it might just stay that way the rest of the year.