SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Colin Kaepernick will start at quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers this week against the Buffalo Bills.
Coach Chip Kelly announced the decision Tuesday to bench Blaine Gabbert and give back the job Kaepernick lost midway through last season. Kaepernick has only played briefly in the opener but has generated attention with his refusal to stand for the national anthem.
Gabbert has struggled this season for San Francisco (1-4). He is last in the NFL in yards per attempt (5.9) and has the second-worst passer rating (69.6) in the league.
After leading the Niners to the Super Bowl following the 2012 season and the NFC title game the following year, Kaepernick has struggled. He lost his job to Gabbert midway through last season and then had three operations that limited his work in the offseason.
Vikings: OT Jake Long signed
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have signed offensive tackle Jake Long, a former first overall draft pick recently beset by injuries.
The Vikings also placed right tackle Andre Smith on injured reserve Tuesday due to surgery required on his damaged triceps. Left tackle Matt Kalil is already on injured reserve following hip surgery, and T.J. Clemmings has had his struggles filling in. Jeremiah Sirles has taken over for Smith.
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Long began his career in 2008 with Miami, becoming a four-time Pro Bowl pick and an All-Pro selection in 2010. He played his first four NFL seasons under coach Tony Sparano, who is now Minnesota's offensive line coach.
After signing with St. Louis, Long had consecutive seasons cut short by an ACL injury. He was a reserve for Atlanta last year.
