49ers will stick with Colin Kaepernick as starter vs. Bucs

Alec Brzezinski

49ers will stick with Colin Kaepernick as starter vs. Bucs image

Colin Kaepernick wasn't great in his season debut Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, but the controversial quarterback will remain the San Francisco 49ers' starter.

Coach Chip Kelly confirmed Monday that Kaepernick will start next weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite completing just 13 of 29 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown in a 45-16 loss to the Bills. He also added 66 yards rushing on eight carries.

Kelly prefers dual-threat quarterbacks, and while Blaine Gabbert was doing a good job extending plays, he doesn't offer the same mobility as Kaepernick.

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Kaepernick's biggest play came on a 53-yard touchdown to Torrey Smith, which actually put the 49ers ahead in the game. But Kaepernick woefully underthrew Smith on the pass, which almost negated Buffalo's defensive breakdown.

It's clear San Francisco is not happy with Gabbert as its starting quarterback, but it remains to be seen if Kaepernick will be the answer.

 

Alec Brzezinski