After Benching, 49ers To Start Kaepernick Vs. Jets

SANTA CLARA (CBS / AP) — Colin Kaepernick is keeping his starting job after getting benched during one of the worst performances of his career.

Niners offensive coordinator Curtis Modkins said Tuesday that the embattled quarterback will start when San Francisco (1-11) hosts the Jets (3-9) on Sunday. Kaepernick completed just one pass in three quarters in a 26-6 loss to the Bears on Sunday.

Kaepernick was removed from the game for Blaine Gabbert in the fourth quarter after taking five sacks and completing one pass, which came midway through the second quarter.

"We just decided during the game to try to see if Blaine could give us a spark and Kap's been the starter," Modkins said. "It's nothing other than that."

San Francisco finished with just six net yards passing after the weather dictated a heavy reliance on the running game. Gabbert completed four of his 10 attempts for 35 yards and took a safety after the game was out of hand.

"I was just watching how the ball was coming off (Kaepernick's) hands and what our chances were of completing it," 49ers coach Chip Kelly said afterward.

San Francisco was able to run effectively for the majority of the afternoon, with 141 of the 49ers' 147 total yards coming on the ground. But Chicago scored three straight touchdowns and the 49ers needed to pass to get back into the game.