San Francisco 49ers: Pros and Cons of Starting Quarterback Colin Kaepernick

Sep 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) stands on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated San Francisco, 37-18. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) stands on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated San Francisco, 37-18. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Francisco 49ers are going to start quarterback Colin Kaepernick over Blaine Gabbert at some point this season. It’s only a matter of when. But let’s look at both sides of the argument to determine what course of action head coach Chip Kelly may take.

Sep 25, 2014; New York, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during warmups before the game against the New York Giants at Metlife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2014; New York, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during warmups before the game against the New York Giants at Metlife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports /

Yes, quarterback Colin Kaepernick will start at some point for the San Francisco 49ers this season.

The only part we don’t know is when.

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Current NFL free agent Colin Kaepernick is not in Madden 23
Current NFL free agent Colin Kaepernick is not in Madden 23 /

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  • Calling for Kaepernick makes sense right now. The Niners are getting less-than-desirable play from current No. 1 Blaine Gabbert. And head coach Chip Kelly’s offense is hurting as a result.

    “The most popular guy on a struggling offense is the backup quarterback,” or so the saying goes. And while we won’t delve too deeply into Kap’s efforts to shed light on social injustice and racism, it’s impossible to ignore his message in this context altogether.

    Are there reasons Kaepernick should start? Absolutely. One could make the definition-of-insanity argument, put it in the 49ers’ current context and see why a switch makes sense.

    On the other hand, starting Kaepernick — at any point of the season, let alone now — might not solve all of San Francisco’s offensive woes. Heck, it’s possible those problems become worse.

    There are two camps for this discussion. Let’s take a look at them both. We know Kelly has and will continue to do so.

    Hopefully this gives us a bit more of an accurate assessment on what should be done and what the 49ers will likely do moving forward.