Skip to content

Kaepernick 'surprised' by benching; Kelly says decision not set in stone

Icon Sportswire / Getty

San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly pulled quarterback Colin Kaepernick in favor of Blaine Gabbert to end Sunday's game, but the decision may not be permanent.

Kelly said after the game that he made the decision to sit Kaepernick after he only accrued four passing yards in three quarters in order to reignite the team's passing game.

"I thought we needed a spark on offense and needed to get something going, give Blaine a shot at throwing. Knew we were going to be throwing every down, so give Blaine a shot. That was it, nothing more," Kelly said.

The end of that quote suggests that Kelly wasn't looking ahead when he chose to give Kaepernick the hook.

"We haven't had any discussions about it. It was my decision to make and made a move to see if we can get a spark and to see where we were. At that point of time of the game we were down a couple of scores and obviously we've (got to) throw it to see if we can get a spark for the team. There are no permanent decisions," Kelly said.

He added that the snowy weather seemed to be the only issue hindering Kaepernick. The quarterback agreed with that assessment.

"Yeah, the weather definitely played a factor," Kaepernick said. "We have to be able to do a better job managing that. Handling it, being able to throw the ball still."

Kaepernick may have had trouble throwing through the snow, but his counterpart Matt Barkley was able to compile 192 passing yards and connect on a number of deep balls.

Though he finished the game with just the four passing yards and 20 rushing yards, Kaepernick didn't expect to spend the final quarter on the sidelines.

"I was surprised," he said. "It wasn't something I was expecting. I'm always prepared and ready to help this team win."

Kaepernick acknowledged he has no control over who gets the nod for next Sunday's game against the New York Jets, but he will prepare as though he'll be the starter.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox