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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

49ers coach Tomsula holds off on naming starting QB

Rick Eymer Associated Press

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Tomsula said Monday that he wants to talk to his players and staff over the next days before revealing his plans at quarterback.

Blaine 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 and speculation is that he will retain the job when the 49ers play at the Seattle Seahawks in two weeks.

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 and there’s no rush to make a decision at quarterback since the 49ers have a bye this week.

“I’ve known Blaine Gabbert from the time he came to the 49ers until now,” Tomsula said. “He’s done a wonderful job. He’s a professional. He works hard and takes coaching to heart. What I said was Blaine would be the quarterback for the Atlanta game going into the bye week and we’d go from there.”

Tomsula said he would get together with players and staff on Monday and Tuesday.

“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.”