49ers Tomsula Names Gabbert Starting QB To Face Seattle
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) - As expected, San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Tomsula is sticking with Blaine Gabbert as the starting quarterback after the bye week.
After saying during his regular Monday news conference that he wanted to talk to his players and staff over the coming days before revealing his plans, the team announced the decision via Twitter later in the day. The 49ers' website reported that Tomsula met with the quarterbacks Monday afternoon and said Gabbert would start at Seattle on Nov. 22, and a team spokesman confirmed the report Monday evening.
Gabbert, playing in place of Colin Kaepernick, made his first start in more than two years in San Francisco's 17-16 victory Sunday over the Atlanta Falcons.
Kaepernick has lost his last four starts against the Seahawks. He is 1-6 against Seattle overall, including the playoffs.
Gabbert, who was 5-22 as a starter for the Jacksonville Jaguars, threw for 185 yards and a pair of touchdowns in his debut as the 49ers starter. He got the nod last week after Tomsula benched the struggling Kaepernick.
"I've known Blaine Gabbert from the time he came to the 49ers until now," Tomsula said before the decision was announced. "He's done a wonderful job. He's a professional. He works hard and takes coaching to heart."
Tomsula said he would get together with players and staff on Monday and Tuesday, though clearly he got right to it Monday afternoon.
"I imagine everybody will get together and talk about it," fullback Bruce Miller said. "I don't think one guy will make that decision."
Miller, who carried the ball Sunday for the first time all season, said the team will prepare "the best we can for Seattle with whoever plays back there."
Garrett Celek, who caught both of Gabbert's touchdown passes in the second quarter, said he has the same relationship with Gabbert as he does with Kaepernick.
"Or any other quarterback," Celek said. "We have a great set of quarterbacks and Blaine had a great game. To be honest, whatever happens, happens. Either way it doesn't matter to me."
Linebacker Michael Wilhoite called Gabbert a good teammate and said he likes his competitiveness.
"He's always been confident in himself," Wilhoite said. "He feels like he can play here."
NOTES: WR Anquan Boldin (hamstring) and RB Carlos Hyde (foot) remain day to day after both were inactive against the Falcons. ... CB Kenneth Acker (concussion) was also inactive, though Tomsula said it was more precautionary and he expects Acker "to be back and rolling."
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