What is next for Blaine Gabbert?
The 49ers eventually hoped that, with a breather, Colin Kaepernick would shed himself of whatever was ailing his play and return to his status as a franchise quarterback.
Instead, he bore witness to a relatively gritty Gabbert, who was effective enough in a 17-16 win over a very good Falcons team. Gabbert was 15 of 25 (60 percent) for 185 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. The Falcons' defense was banged up but it was still the Falcons' defense, and Gabbert was still playing for the 49ers.
It's safe to say he exceeded just about everyone's expectations but his own.
"I'm so appreciative for this opportunity," Gabbert said via the team's official site. "I just wanted to go out there today and just have fun. You play well when you're having fun and that was the biggest thing."
"Gabbert was our starter today, and I don't have a comment past that," Tomsula said after the game. The coach reiterated Monday that he would not comment on his QB situation until meeting with his staff.
Maybe it won't refurbish San Francisco's franchise quarterback, but it will show that Tomsula's staff is smart enough to cut bait when they have the chance.
UPDATE: In his Monday press conference, Tomsula named Gabbert the 49ers' starting quarterback against the Seahawks after the Week 10 bye.
