49ers keep Kaepernick

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Colin Kaepernick survived San Francisco’s roster cuts on Saturday when the 49ers determined that his ability as a quarterback more than offset any potential distraction over his refusal to stand during the national anthem.

Coach Chip Kelly announced that Kaepernick will start the season as the backup to Blaine Gabbert with Christian Ponder as the third-stringer. Kelly had telegraphed that move to keep Kaepernick earlier in the week when he called him one of his team’s two best quarterbacks.

Kaepernick’s status on the team was briefly in question after his anthem protest over racial oppression and police brutality in the United States became public last weekend. But the Niners determined his ability as a player outweighed any potential distraction.

“When he’s here, he’s all about football and all about work,” Kelly said. “That’s what I’ve seen since we’ve been here. He continues to display that every day he’s been in this building.”