In 2012, what QB did Colin Kaepernick replace?

In 2012, Colin Kaepernick replaced Alex Smith as the San Francisco 49ers’ starting quarterback. Kaepernick entered the season as Smith’s backup and was initially used mainly in selected running plays.

The change began in Week 10, when Smith suffered a concussion during a game against the St. Louis Rams. Kaepernick took over and helped the 49ers finish the game in a 24–24 tie. Although Smith recovered, head coach Jim Harbaugh chose Kaepernick to start the following game against the Chicago Bears.

Kaepernick’s stronger scrambling ability and big-play potential created a quarterback controversy. Smith had been highly efficient, ranking third in the NFL in passer rating and leading the league in completion percentage at that point. Harbaugh nevertheless kept Kaepernick as the starter for the rest of the season.

Kaepernick led San Francisco to Super Bowl XLVII, where the 49ers lost 34–31 to the Baltimore Ravens. Smith was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs after the season, making the midseason switch a major turning point in both quarterbacks’ careers.