San Francisco 49ers

Colin Kaepernick will play in 49ers' preseason finale despite anthem controversy

Published Aug. 30, 2016 5:10 p.m. ET

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Colin Kaepernick is in the middle of a firestorm off the field for his stance on the national anthem, but he will get a chance to make a statement on the field. San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly said Tuesday that the embattled quarterback will play against the Chargers in both teams' preseason finale Thursday.

"We plan on playing Kap in the game, just because he's got only 13 snaps so far in the preseason," Kelly said, via the team's website. "[Blaine] Gabbert will not play. He has 43 snaps in the preseason."

Kelly added that he will wait until after Thursday's game to announce the team's Week 1 starter. He said his decision to play Kaepernick and sit Gabbert has to do with splitting reps between the two quarterbacks in the preseason.

Kaepernick, who had offseason surgeries on his thumb, shoulder and knee, made his exhibition debut last Frirday but created headlines for what he did before the game rather than during it.

Kaepernick was seen sitting during the national anthem, which he later said was in protest of the treatment of "black people and people of color" in this country. Kaepernick said he will sit again during the anthem before Thursday's preseason finale.

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