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

By Peter Panacy

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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49ers Gabbert Kaepernick
Aug 14, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) talk on the sidelines in the game against the Houston Texans in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Texans won 24-13. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

The Big Picture

It’s convoluted. Really, it is.

San Francisco has a very unique and messy situation on its hands. And it goes beyond just Colin Kaepernick, Blaine Gabbert and who should be the No. 1 guy.

It’s possible, perhaps even likely, a quarterback switch could put head coach Chip Kelly and general manager Trent Baalke at odds with each other, if you’re going the Jason Cole route. Not sure the front office would let things go this far, and Baalke could be out of the job if the 49ers’ roster-wide issues continue.

That scenario might negate any cut-Kap discussions. Who knows.

But the Niners might want to pursue that option anyway, especially if Kaepernick struggles upon a return. Remember, Kap isn’t an up-and-coming phenom. He’ll be 29 years old in November. It won’t be long before the sheer physicality of Kaepernick’s play-making abilities begin to elude him.

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Still, there’s always the hope Kelly can resurrect Kap’s career. At least until proven otherwise.

And the remaining “what if” questions won’t go away either, which is a primary reason why we should predict a Kaepernick start. The only question is when. Week 6? Week 9 after the bye? Later this season if/when the 49ers are eliminated.

Whatever the scenario, don’t expect this discussion to go away anytime soon.

Next: When Will the 49ers Make the Switch to Colin Kaepernick?

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of ESPN.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.