49ers Players Want Kaepernick Back as Starter

The timing is particularly notable given the recent struggles of starting quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Even now twice-retired former 49ers offensive lineman Anthony Davis took to Twitter to throw his support behind quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Those interceptions proved the most costly.

Considering all of the above conditions, is it time for first-year Coach Chip Kelly to pull the trigger on a quarterback change? I guess we’ll see what next week’s quarterback availability brings! “I mean, we’re 1-4”.

The financial implications: Kaepernick’s 2017 salary of $14.5 million is guaranteed for injury, meaning he would collect it if he sustained an injury during the season that prevented him from passing a physical on April 1.

Kelly hasn’t strayed from his long-time message that Kaepernick’s health and playing ability is not what it once was, at least not what it was when his career piqued in the 2012-2013 seasons. That’s on the table because Kelly put it there, and if Baalke or York force him to go back to Gabbert, Kelly should let us know that this happened.

Kelly said Friday the entire offense is on notice after sputtering Thursday night in a 33-21 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals. This has been something head coach Chip Kelly has reminded reporters in the past when Kaepernick’s name is brought up (more on that here). It’s a controlled environment. It’s a controlled environment; you’re in a lot of trouble if you’re not having any success in practice, either.

Colin Kaepernick has only seen three snaps this season, which came in Week 1 as he handed the ball off on all three plays.

Perhaps an easier answer is for Kelly to say that Kaepernick is still learning the offense.

“It’s extremely frustrating”, Gabbert said after the game. His two interceptions led to 10 Arizona points. “I’ve got to do a better job leading this team, executing this offense, scoring points, winning games, the whole nine yards”. Through five games, Gabbert completed 58 percent of his passes for just 890 yards. He rushed for another 70 yards on Thursday night. Day had been scheduled to play the Australian Open at the Royal Sydney Golf Club from November 17-20, then partner world number six Adam Scott in the World Cup tournament at Melbourne’s Kingston Heath from November 23-27.

But Kelly opened the door a bit to a possible change after the game.

Gabbert isn’t doing that right now. “We’re going to go and look at everything”.

Later in the final quarter, Levi’s Stadium got a little loud with a “We Want Kap!” chant, but Kelly never once made a move to go to Kaepernick in this game.

But with the 49ers sinking fast, Kaepernick may get a chance to make his latest statement as a starter.