Panthers escape in overtime

Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C.

Graham Gano kicked a 52-yard field goal in overtime to lift the Carolina Panthers to a 29-26 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night to remain the NFC’s only unbeaten team.

After Andrew Luck rallied the Colts from 17 points down in the final 7 1/2 minutes of regulation, both teams exchanged field goals in overtime.

Roman Harper then deflected Luck’s pass over the middle to Coby Fleener and Luke Kuechly — who had dropped an earlier interception that would have sealed the game at the end of regulation — came up with the pick at the Colts 39.

Four plays later Gano hit the winner to extend the Panthers regular season winning streak to 11 games.

Cam Newton was 16 of 35 for 248 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He also ran for 41 yards.

49ers

SANTA CLARA, Calif.

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been told he won’t start Sunday for the San Francisco 49ers and is being replaced by backup Blaine Gabbert, a person with knowledge of the decision said Monday night.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the decision wasn’t to be discussed publicly. The team had not made a formal announcement, though coach Jim Tomsula offered a pretty good hint earlier in the day “we’re evaluating everyone,” on the heels of a 27-6 loss at St. Louis and a second straight game without a touchdown and third in four.

Kaepernick has been benched for his birthday, as he turns 28 today. In a strange twist, it was three years ago in November 2012 when Kaepernick was promoted to replace Alex Smith and he wound up leading San Francisco back to the Super Bowl and a three-point loss to Baltimore. Kaepernick made his first career start on Nov. 19, 2012, for former coach Jim Harbaugh.

Former first-round pick Gabbert completed 23 of 28 passes in the preseason — for an 82.1 completion percentage — for 203 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions and a 108.8 passer rating.