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Kaepernick to start 49ers' final preseason game

Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick will start for the San Francisco 49ers in their final preseason game against the San Diego Chargers, head coach Chip Kelly confirmed Tuesday.

Blaine Gabbert, widely considered the favorite to land the starting job, will not play.

"We've got a good understanding of where Blaine is and unfortunately because of Colin's injury and missing those first two preseason games, he's only got 13 snaps so we've got to move forward and see if we can get him some more snaps," Kelly said via NFL Media's Steve Wyche.

Kaepernick drew national attention Aug. 26 for his decision to protest the national anthem, sitting down while it was played in a preseason game.

Although many speculated Kaepernick's comments and actions could have a detrimental effect on the 49ers, Kelly dismissed that notion.

"The feedback I got from our players, I thought it went well," Kelly said. "It's obviously their locker room in how this issue has gone on for the locker room and how they existed and from the feedback I got from the players, I thought it went well."

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