The source first said that a big change was coming for the 49ers on Tuesday, and followed up later with confirmation that the change is going to be at the quarterback position. Gabbert will be starting for the 49ers against the Falcons on Sunday, the source said.
While the suggested timing of an announcement (Tuesday, when the only media availability is for conversations with players in the locker room) is curious, the decision isn’t. Kaepernick has played abysmally in back-to-back games against division rivals, several franchise voices have been tossing blame his way for weeks, and yesterday Jason Cole said two 49ers players texted him and said it’s time for Kaepernick to be benched.
The decision was only telegraphed further by Tomsula’s non-committal answer regarding Kaepernick’s job security during his Monday press conference.
Q: Have you guys met and is there a decision on who your starting quarterback will be Sunday?
Tomsula: Yeah, we’re evaluating everything right now. So, we’re in the middle of it right now. I don’t have any comments on any position on our field right now. We are evaluating everybody.
Q: In the past, you’ve stated quite clearly, “QB Colin Kaepernick is our quarterback.”
Tomsula: Yeah, we’re evaluating everyone.
Q: Does that mean he might not start the next game?
Tomsula: I’m not going to have any further comment. I’m just telling you that we are evaluating everyone.
