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49ers vs. Chargers: 5 Biggest Takeaways for San Francisco

By James LeBreton

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Javontee Herndon (81) is tackled by San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Jatavis Brown (57) and linebacker Nick Dzubnar (48) during the first half of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Javontee Herndon (81) is tackled by San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Jatavis Brown (57) and linebacker Nick Dzubnar (48) during the first half of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) smiles prior to the game against the St. Louis Rams at Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) smiles prior to the game against the St. Louis Rams at Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Colin Kaepernick Will Continue to be a Distraction

After a not so smooth off season and a less-than mediocre performance against Green Bay, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was picked apart by the media and fans for his protest during the national anthem.

At the start of last night’s game against the San Diego Chargers, Kaepernick chose to ignore the national anthem again despite the annual celebration on hand to Salute to the Military.

This poses a problem for the franchise for two reasons. One, he’s doing it in a 49ers uniform. And two, when he’s on the field, he’s taking away the focus the game. When he’s out there — whether its before the game, during or after — it should be business as usual.

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After a dismal season last year, and four solid offseasons of drama and conflict, the last thing this team needs is another distraction.

Regardless of his protest, he turned in a solid performance going 6-of-8 for 58 yards on the opening drive. He also ran for 30 yards, setting up DuJuan Harris for a one-yard score. Kap finished 11-of-18 for 103 yards. He also added 38 yards on the ground with an average yards-per-carry of 9.5.

Like it or not, Kaepernick will be on the 53-man roster due to the lack of stability at the quarterback position. He may not open the season as the starter. But one thing is for sure — $11.9 million dollars will not ride the bench.

Keeping that in mind, his presence on the team will be a distraction all year long. It doesn’t matter whether he stops protesting, tells the world he is sorry or admits he is wrong even if he feels that he is not.

It won’t even matter if the 49ers win the Super Bowl, this preseason stand will continue to follow this team every where they go.

Next: 49ers Colin Kaepernick Is No Longer Worthy of Being an NFL Starting Quarterback?

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Overthecap.com, Ninersnation.com, ESPN.com, and 49ers.com unless otherwise indicated.