Gabbert plays well, but Tomsula does not name him starter

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SANTA CLARA – Quarterback Blaine Gabbert did not immediately earn the right to remain as the 49ers’ starter when the 49ers return to action after the bye week.

Or, at least, Gabbert was not officially named the starter beyond Sunday, which ended with the 49ers holding on for a 17-16 victory over the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium. Coach Jim Tomsula said he was not ready to say that Gabbert would start another game ahead of Colin Kaepernick.

“Gabbert was our starter today,” Tomsula said. “And I don’t have a comment past that.”

Gabbert learned on Monday night that he would take over for struggling Colin Kaepernick for the game against the Falcons. And, now, he said he is not thinking ahead to what it means for his future. The 49ers (3-6) return to action Nov. 22 against the Seattle Seahawks after the bye week.

“All I know is we got the victory today, we have a bye week coming up, and we’re going to prepare for Seattle,” Gabbert said. “That’s our next game up there. So whatever 11 guys we march out there on the field, we’re going to expect a victory.”

[INSTANT REPLAY: Gabbert in control, guides 49ers past Falcons]

Gabbert completed 15 of 25 pass attempts for 185 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Gabbert was not sacked, and he also rushed for 32 yards on eight rushing attempts.

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“We’re going to enjoy the win,” Tomsula said. “Gabbert did a nice job, as did the team.

“I thought he did what he did in practice. He did what he’s been doing and improving on since he got here.”

Gabbert, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2011 draft of the Jacksonville Jaguars, was traded to the 49ers in 2013 for a sixth-round draft pick after three miserable seasons. The Jaguars were 5-22 in games he started.

Now, his record is 1-0 with the 49ers.

“It was wonderful,” Gabbert said. “I’m so appreciative of this opportunity. I just wanted to go out there and compete, lead these guys. I almost gave it away in the fourth quarter. But our defense had a tremendous stop.

“I just wanted to go out there today and have fun. You play well when you’re having fun, and that was the biggest thing.”

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