Around the NFL: Kaepernick to start for 49ers

By Ryan Gerstel, Eagledelphia contributor

Chip looks to Kap: In an attempt to jolt his inconsistent offense, Chip Kelly has decided to hand over the reins to Colin Kaepernick after watching Blaine Gabbert struggle for five weeks. 

"Just to announce, we're going to make a move at quarterback and we're going to start Colin this week and give him an opportunity to run with the ones," Kelly said to reporters Tuesday, via ESPN. "I believe you've got to do it at the beginning of the week just because of how reps are distributed."

Gabbert has been inconsistent with his decision making in Kelly's fast-paced offensive scheme, throwing six interceptions on 150 pass attempts. Overall, the 26-year-old has completed just 58 percent of his passes for 890 yards, five touchdowns to go along with the six picks.

Kaepernick hasn't started a game for the 49ers since Week 8 in 2015 against the then St. Louis Rams. In nine games played in 2015, the 28-year-old completed 144-of-244 passes (59 percent) for 1,615 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions. There will undoubtedly be some rust he has to shake off.

"I think I've always been confident," Kaepernick said, via ESPN. "It's something that I'm ready to step on that field, I'm ready to play. It's been about a year since live game action. So, I'm itching to get out there."

The 49ers' offense has averaged just 291.4 yards per game, which is the second-lowest mark in the NFL. Kelly and the coaching staff are hoping that Kaepernick's athleticism and strong arm can help rejuvenate the offense.

"We were very analytical and sat down as a staff and watched the tape, went over everything," Kelly said. "We had a couple days to kind of digest where we are and I think offensively we need to be better and we just need to make a move. And it's really not, it's not Blaine's fault. I think it's just as a group offensively we need to be better in a lot of ways so we're going to see what we can do and make a move here. It's really one of the only maneuvers we can make based on our depth."

Lions sign RB Forsett: The Detroit Lions signed former Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett Tuesday.

The 31-year-old has rushed for 3,697 yards on 764 career attempts, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He was released earlier this season by Baltimore after losing the starting job to 25 year old Terrance West.

The Lions where in desperate need of a veteran running back after losing original starter Ameer Abdullah to injury. On the season, the Lions rank 23rd in rushing yards per game (89.8) and 25th in rushing touchdowns with just tw0.

In addition to Forsett, the Lions have running backs Theo Riddick, Zach Zenner and rookie Dwayne Washington on their roster. It has yet to be determined where Forsett will stand on the team's depth chart.

Dez to practice: Dallas Cowboys star receiver Dez Bryant is eyeing a return to practice this week after missing the team's last two games due to a fractured right leg.

Bryant has not practiced since sustaining the injury Week 3 against the Chicago Bears. The 27-year-old has been quiet this season with rookie quarterback Dak Prescott leading the offense, hauling in 11 of 23 targets for 150 yards and just one touchdown.

According to ESPN, Bryant is expected to be limited in Wednesday's practice. The Cowboys will have to base their decision to start Bryant off how he feels in practice over the next couple of days, and could even be a game time decision.

The Cowboys have their bye after this week's game against the Green Bay Packers. The 6'2", 220-pound receiver should be healthy coming out of the bye.

Go to top button