Following the loss, the 49ers' 11th-straight of the season, Kaepernick spoke to the media about being benched. Quarterbacks coach Ryan Day was the man that gave the news to both Kaepernick and Gabbert. Kaepernick admitted that he did not put up much of a fight to return to the game, which at the point of being benched was already out of reach.
"It's not my place to really argue on the sideline," Kaepernick told reporters. "I want to make sure I do what I can to help this team win and that was the decision that was made so I'm going to support my teammates."
RELATED

Kaepernick was asked if he expects to start next Sunday when the 49ers host the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. "That's not my decision," Kaepernick answered. "My feelings on it really don't matter at this point. I'm just going to do everything I can to make sure I'm prepared."
"Once again, it's not about my feelings," Kaepernick continued. "It's about being able to help this team win. "This coaching staff didn't feel like I was out there being able to help this team win so they made a change, whether I agree with that or not."
Very early this morning, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that Kaepernick would indeed test free agency following this season and void the remainder of his contract. Of course, that topic came up in Kaepernick's postgame press conference and, as expected, he avoided the question. "Once again, as I've said all along, my focus is on the next game," Kaepernick said. "My focus has been on the Bears this past week."
Prior to the game in Chicago, Kaepernick had thrown for 1,110 yards with eight touchdowns and only two interceptions in his last four games.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Brock Purdy: My whole story has been about being overlooked
When Brock Purdy saw Jimmy Garoppolo take over as the San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterback in 2022, he realized his own opportunity might come sooner than expected. That moment arrived later in the season when Garoppolo suffered an injury, forcing Purdy into action. He... -
49ers add 'arguably the draft's best zone cover cornerback' in PFF mock
John Kosko of Pro Football Focus (PFF) released his latest mock draft, projecting the San Francisco 49ers to pass on bolstering the trenches in the first round. Instead, he has them selecting Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron with the 11th overall pick. Deommodore Lenoir and... -
Pair of 2nd-year 49ers players switch jersey numbers
The San Francisco 49ers' offseason roster changes have allowed two second-year players to update their jersey numbers. Quarterback Tanner Mordecai, currently the team's third quarterback behind Brock Purdy and Mac Jones, has switched from No. 4 to No. 14. San Francisco 49ers... -
Former 49ers foe joining 3rd team in 3 years
Russell Wilson's time with the Pittsburgh Steelers lasted just one season. The veteran quarterback, a longtime nemesis of the San Francisco 49ers, is reportedly signing a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the New York Giants, which could rise to $21 million with...