San Francisco 49ers

Chip Kelly: Colin Kaepernick to start vs. Buccaneers

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly announced Colin Kaepernick will remain the team's starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Kaepernick was met with jeers from Buffalo Bills fans in Sunday's 45–16 loss at New Era Field, where the 49ers dropped to 1–5 on the season. He finished the day with 13 of 29 passes completed for one touchdown. Kaepernick also ran the ball eight times for 66 yards.

It was Kaepernick's first start since Nov. 2015 as he posted a 2–6 record last season before being benched in favor of Blaine Gabbert and then placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

Kaepernick has drawn criticism from many over his protest of the national anthem in which he kneels during the playing of “The Star Spangled Banner” in hopes of raising awareness of racial injustice in America. Players throughout the league have joined in his protest.

The 49ers will play the Buccaneers at 4:05 p.m. ET at Levi's Stadium on Sunday.

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