Report: Some 49ers pushing for 3rd-string QB Christian Ponder to start
The San Francisco 49ers are dealing with another quarterback controversy, this time on the field.
Following a fourth straight loss Thursday night, coach Chip Kelly said, "We're going to look at everything."
Starter Blaine Gabbert has been among the worst QBs this season, and he threw two interceptions in a 33-21 loss to Arizona. But on Friday, CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco reported that there are 49ers players who favored switching to third-string QB Christian Ponder, and not backup Colin Kaepernick.
Blaine Gabbert? Colin Kaepernick? Sources say there’s support in #49ers locker room for Christian Ponder.https://t.co/kBH14akhMX
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) October 7, 2016
Kaepernick has been the biggest story of the season since he started his protest during the national anthem. Many observers have opined that his stance has kept him off the field, despite Kelly's assertions that Kaepernick isn't physically ready to assume the starting job.
However, FOX Sports' Dieter Kurtenbach writes that business, not politics, is the reason behind Kaepernick's lack of playing time.
The #49ers are leaning towards Christian Ponder over Colin Kaepernick. Wonder what that’s about? [Insert two-hour context-heavy commentary.]
— Dieter Kurtenbach (@dkurtenbach) October 7, 2016
And while Kaepernick's teammates reportedly support his stance, it appears they're divided on who exactly is the answer at QB.
Kelly, meanwhile, apparently has yet to look at "everything" as it pertains to Ponder.
When asked if Christian Ponder is in discussion to be QB, #49ers coach Chip Kelly said they’ve not yet had any discussions among the staff.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) October 7, 2016
The sad thing is while all these numbers are still mediocre, Ponder is slightly better than Gabbert in all these categories. #49ers pic.twitter.com/BzotQ9ySja
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) October 7, 2016
