49ers name Gabbert starting QB over Kaepernick

San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly announced Saturday that Blaine Gabbert will be the team's starting quarterback.

Gabbert was widely expected to be named the team's starter, beating Colin Kaepernick and Christian Ponder for the role. Kelly confirmed that Kaepernick will operate as the team's backup.

Last season, Gabbert completed 63.1 percent of his passes for 2,031 yards and 10 touchdowns against seven interceptions. The 26-year-old became the team's starting quarterback last year after Kaepernick was benched in November due to a series of poor performances.

The 49ers begin their regular season against the Los Angeles Rams in the second game of a Monday Night Football doubleheader.