Colin Kaepernick resumes starting quarterback role with 49ers
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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.
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).
Follow Sam Farmer on Twitter @LATimesfarmer
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