Though he’s dominated headlines since the preseason, Colin Kaepernick will finally make his first start for the 49ers this Sunday.
Kap is replacing the struggling Blaine Gabbert, a reverse of the scenario that took place last season under former head coach Jim Tomsula. It’s unclear what exactly Kaepernick can bring to the table at this point, two years removed from being one of the most explosive quarterbacks in the league, but 49ers beat writer Kevin Lynch thinks Kaepernick will be an improvment over Gabbert, telling The Audible that the 28-year-old has a low bar to clear.
“I think he’s gonna do well,” Lynch said. “I think the 49ers feel they made this move because he’s not going to be any worse throwing the ball then Gabbert was…but he gives them a run element. Gabbert doesn’t and (Kaepernick is) very good at the zone read.”
Gabbert averaged just 5.93 yards-per-attempt through five games this season, the lowest mark in the league, and posted a poor 69.9 quarterback rating after throwing five touchdowns and six picks. Gabbert is averaging 4.4 yards per carry, but often seems to be guessing when deciding whether to keep or give the ball to running back Carlos Hyde. Kaepernick has averaged six yards-per-carry throughout his career.
Listen to the full interview below.