49ers bench Colin Kaepernick in favor of Blaine Gabbert late in Bears game

Colin Kaepernick only threw five passes in snowy conditions.

The 49ers pulled quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Bears and inserted backup Blaine Gabbert. 

Playing in snowy conditions, Kaepernick threw just five passes before he was benched. He completed just one pass for four yards and rushed six times for 20 yards. Gabbert completed three of his first nine passes, for 30 yards. 

Gabbert began the season as the starter and played six games before Kaepernick supplanted him. 

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported earlier Sunday that Kaepernick is expected to exercise the opt-out clause in his reworked contract and test free agency, though he may very well return to San Francisco.