CHICAG0 – Just when the 49ers’ offense started to look as if it was warming up in Florida, things got cold in a hurry.
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers’ passing game put together one of the most anemic showings in 49ers franchise history on Sunday in a 26-6 loss to the Chicago Bears on a snowy day at Soldier Field.
Kaepernick completed just one of five pass attempts for 4 yards. He was also sacked five times for minus-25 yards to give the 49ers minus-21 net yards passing in his three quarters of action.
With more than 12 minutes remaining and the 49ers trailing by 18 points, coach Chip Kelly benched Kaepernick and inserted Blaine Gabbert.
On Gabbert’s first play, he completed an 18-yard pass to receiver Jeremy Kerley. Gabbert, who started the 49ers first five games of the season, ended up with four completions in 10 attempts for 35 yards.
The 49ers entered the game with their franchise-worst game in passing at minus-10 yards, when Bob Waters and Lamar McHan combined for 63 yards passing against the Detroit Lions in 1963. The 49ers gave up 73 yards in sacks to account for the negative yardage.
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SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 01: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers runs in to the field for their game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 01: Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers is congratulated by Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers after he ran in for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 01: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers throws the ball while pressured by Cliff Avril #56 of the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 01: Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers gets pushed out of bounds at the four yardline by Jeremy Lane #20 of the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 01: Jimmy Graham #88 of the Seattle Seahawks catches a pass while covered by Antoine Bethea #41 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 01: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is pressured by Michael Wilhoite #57 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 24: Rod Streater #81 and Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Rams 22-21 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 24: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers jumps into the end zone for a two point conversion during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 24: Rod Streater #81 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 24: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes for a 13-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter as Aaron Donald #99 and Alec Ogletree #52 of the Los Angeles Rams attempt to tackle him at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 24: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 24: (EDITORS NOTE: Retransmission with alternate crop.) Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams is stopped short of the goal line by the San Francisco 49ers defense during the fourth quarter of their game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 24: Ronald Blair #98 of the San Francisco 49ers sacks Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 24: Ahmad Brooks #55 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of their game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 18: Michael Wilhoite #57 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons on a run play during the first half at the Georgia Dome on December 18, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 18: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons slides past Eli Harold #58 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at the Georgia Dome on December 18, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 18: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons runs for a touchdown during the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome on December 18, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 18: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons is upended by Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at the Georgia Dome on December 18, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 18: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers passes under pressure during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on December 18, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 18: Tevin Coleman #26 of the Atlanta Falcons is tackled by Aaron Lynch #59 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at the Georgia Dome on December 18, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 18: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers scrambles on a pass play during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on December 18, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 11: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with teammates after scoring against the New York Jets in the first quarter of their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 11, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 11: Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring against the New York Jets during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 11, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 11: Jimmie Ward #25 of the San Francisco 49ers intercepts a pass intended for Quincy Enunwa #81 of the New York Jets in the first quarter of their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 11, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 11: Quinton Patton #11 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks a tackle by Darron Lee #50 of the New York Jets during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 11, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 11: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks a tackle by Marcus Gilchrist #21 of the New York Jets during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 11, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 11: Gerald Hodges #51 and Glenn Dorsey #90 of the San Francisco 49ers sack Bryce Petty #9 of the New York Jets during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 11, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 11: Blake Bell #84 of the San Francisco 49ers is hit by Calvin Pryor #25 of the New York Jets during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 11, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 04: Mitch Unrein #98 of the Chicago Bears chases down Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field on December 4, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the 49ers 26-6. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 04: Jeremy Kerley #17 of the San Francisco 49ers drops a pass against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 4, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the 49ers 26-6. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 04: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers warms his hands in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 4, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 04: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers sits on the bench in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 4, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 04: The snow is pushed offsides of the field during the game between the Chicago Bears and the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field on December 4, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 04: Daniel Brown #85 of the Chicago Bears flys through the air in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field on December 4, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers scores a touchdown during a game against the Miami Dolphins on November 27, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers passes during a game against the Miami Dolphins on November 27, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Jay Ajayi #23 of the Miami Dolphins rushes during a game against the San Francisco 49ers on November 27, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 27: DeVante Parker #11 of the Miami Dolphins catches a pass out of bounds during a game against the San Francisco 49ers on November 27, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes during the 2nd quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 27, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Donald Butler #56 of the Miami Dolphins tackles Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers during the 1st quarter of the game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 27, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 20: LeGarrette Blount #29 of the New England Patriots rushes against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots dives for a first down against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Garrett Celek #88 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Shea McClellin #58 of the New England Patriots after a catch during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by Kyle Van Noy #53 of the New England Patriots during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Vance McDonald #89 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Colin Kaepernick #7 after scoring against the New England Patriots on a 18-yard pass during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 13: Cornerback Tramaine Brock #26 of the San Francisco 49ers can't tackle running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter of the NFL football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 13, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 13: Running back Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers runs past cornerback Justin Bethel #28 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter of the NFL football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 13, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Chip Kelly of the San Francisco 49ers talks with quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 during the second quarter of the NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 13, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 13: Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals is upended by cornerback Jimmie Ward #25 of the San Francisco 49ers and outside linebacker Eli Harold #58 during the second quarter of the NFL football game at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 13, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 13: Colin Kaepernick #7 and Blaine Gabbert #2 of the San Francisco 49ers warm up prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on November 13, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers passes against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium on November 6, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Wide receiver Quinton Patton #11 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks a tackle from free safety Jairus Byrd #31 of the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium on November 6, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Running back Mark Ingram #22 of the New Orleans Saints scores a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium on November 6, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Running back Mark Ingram #22 of the New Orleans Saints scores a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium on November 6, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Running back DuJuan Harris #32 of the San Francisco 49ers scores a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium on November 6, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Tight end Vance McDonald #89 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium on November 6, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 23: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks a tackle during their NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 23: Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring on a 17-yard pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 23: Vance McDonald #89 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled after a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 23: Ryan Smith #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushes with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 23: Gerald Hodges #51 of the San Francisco 49ers jumps over teammate Rashard Robinson #33 and Russell Shepard #89 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 23: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a five-yard touchdown catch against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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BUFFALO, NY - OCTOBER 16: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at New Era Field on October 16, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
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BUFFALO, NY - OCTOBER 16: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at New Era Field on October 16, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
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BUFFALO, NY - OCTOBER 16: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills breaks a tackle by Rashard Robinson #33 of the San Francisco 49ers for a touchdown during the first half at New Era Field on October 16, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
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BUFFALO, NY - OCTOBER 16: Torrey Smith #82 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks free of Aaron Williams #23 of the Buffalo Bills for a touchdown during the first half at New Era Field on October 16, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
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BUFFALO, NY - OCTOBER 16: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers is hit by Aaron Williams #23 of the Buffalo Bills and Corey Graham #20 of the Buffalo Bills during the first half at New Era Field on October 16, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
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BUFFALO, NY - OCTOBER 16: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Buffalo Bills gets a pass off as Ahmad Brooks #55 of the San Francisco 49ers comes flying in during the first half at New Era Field on October 16, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
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BUFFALO, NY - OCTOBER 16: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills drags Nick Bellore #50 of the San Francisco 49ers for extra yards during the second half at New Era Field on October 16, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 02: Jeremy Kerley #17 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 01: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers rolls out of the pocket during a preseason game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on September 1, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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ORCHARD PARK, NY - AUGUST 20: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates a touchdown reception during the first half against the New York Giants on August 20, 2016 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
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FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 2: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Buffalo Bills looks to throw down field as he rolls out of the pocket in the third quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 06: Drew Stanton #5 of the Arizona Cardinals is sacked by Michael Wilhoite #57 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 6, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 06: Alex Okafor #57 of the Arizona Cardinals tackles Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 6, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 06: Blaine Gabbert #2 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 6, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams rushes against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: NaVorro Bowman #53 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Kenny Britt #18 of the Los Angeles Rams makes a catch against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Head coach Chip Kelly of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines during their NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Ray-Ray Armstrong #54 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after intercepting a pass by Case Keenum #17 of the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Vance McDonald #89 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Joe Staley #74 after scoring during their NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Quinton Patton #11 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball after a catch against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Ray-Ray Armstrong #54 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after intercepting a pass by Case Keenum #17 of the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes with the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: The San Francisco 49ers celebrate a interception by NaVorro Bowman #53 against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 12, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 18: Vance McDonald #89 of the San Francisco 49ers scores a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the 4th quarter during the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 18: Tramaine Brock #26 of the San Francisco 49ers tries to break up a pass to Ted Ginn #19 of the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 18: Blaine Gabbert #2 of the San Francisco 49ers runs for touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the 4th quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 18: Kelvin Benjamin #13 of the Carolina Panthers catches a pass against Jimmie Ward #25 of the San Francisco 49ers in the 3rd quarter during the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 18: Blaine Gabbert #2 of the San Francisco 49ers scrambles from Shaq Thompson #54 of the Carolina Panthers in the 2nd quarter during the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 18: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers in the 2nd quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 18: Blaine Gabbert #2 confers with head coach Chip Kelly of the San Francisco 49ers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 18, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
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SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert #2 of the San Francisco 49ers passes the ball during the second quarter of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on September 25, 2016 in Seattle,Washington. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
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SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 25: Tight end Jimmy Graham #88 of the Seattle Seahawks is brought down by inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman #53 and strong safety Antoine Bethea #41 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on September 25, 2016 in Seattle,Washington. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
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SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 25: Tight end Jimmy Graham #88 of the Seattle Seahawks grabs the ball away from free safety Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers for a long gain during the second quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on September 25, 2016 in Seattle,Washington. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 11: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a touchdown in the fourth quarter during a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 11, 2015 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO - AUGUST 20: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert of the San Francisco 49ers throws a first quarter pass against the Denver Broncos during a preseason NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on August 20, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 25: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys runs during the first quarter of a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium on September 25, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 25: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys throws during a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium on September 25, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 02: Terrance Williams #83 of the Dallas Cowboys makes a leaping catch for a touchdown against Tramaine Brock #26 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 02: Center Daniel Kilgore #67 of the San Francisco 49ers prepares to snap the ball during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 02: Jeremy Kerley #17 of the San Francisco 49ers crosses the goal line for a touchdown after catching a pass against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 02: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Terrell McClain #97 of the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 02: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys crosses the goal line to score a rushing touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 02: Jason Witten #82 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a pass against Antoine Bethea #41 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 02: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes during the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 01: Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a pass on the run during a preseason game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on September 1, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The 49ers (1-11) extended their franchise-worst losing streak to 11 games against a Bears team that improves to 3-9 despite 15 players being on injured reserve. That list does not include quarterback Jay Cutler, who remains on the roster despite a season-ending shoulder injury.
The 49ers’ utter futility in the passing game was reminiscent of a 2005 trip the 49ers made to Soldier Field. Unlike Sunday, that game was howling wind that featured gusts up to 47 mph. On that day, Cody Pickett completed just one of his 13 pass attempts for 28 yards.
Neither Kaepernick nor Bears quarterback Matt Barkley completed a pass in the first quarter. Barkley was 0 for 2, while Kaepernick was 0 for 1. Kaepernick was also sacked two times for minus-18 yards.
It was the first NFL game since a New York Jets-New England game in 1988 that did not have a completed pass in the first quarter, according to Elias Sports.
The 49ers concluded the first quarter with 11 consecutive run plays. When Kaepernick finally completed a pass – a shovel pass to Shaun Draughn for 15 yards – it was nullified by right guard Joshua Garnett’s holding penalty. He later found tight end Vance McDonald on a 4-yard pass.
The fact that both teams did not even try to throw was a bit perplexing consider there was absolutely no wind and the snow did not pick up until halftime.
Kaepernick threw for 296 yards and three touchdowns in the 49ers’ 31-24 loss to the Miami Dolphins last week. The team practiced in mid-80s temperatures in Orlando, Fla., before traveling north to near freezing conditions in Chicago.
The Bears finally began to open up their offense after the 49ers took a 6-0 lead late in the first half. Barkley completed three of four attempts for 64 yards and benefitted from a questionable pass-interference penalty on Tramaine Brock in the end zone.
Bears rookie running back Jordan Howard punched it in from 1-yard out with 35 seconds remaining in the half to give Chicago a 7-6 lead after 30 minutes.
While the 49ers continued to stumble around, the Bears figured out that the conditions did not prevent them from incorporating the pass into their offense. Chicago scored touchdowns on their first two possessions of the second half. They capped drives of 75 and 59 yards with Howard’s touchdown runs of 2 and 5 yards to take a 21-6 lead.
After his rough start, Barkley ended up having a fair amount of success against the 49ers. He ended up completing 11 passes for 192 yards. Barkley, who spent his first two NFL seasons as a reserve on Kelly’s team with the Philadelphia Eagles, made his second career start.
Premature celebration
Rookie Rashard Robinson celebrated Dontae Johnson’s blocked field-goal return for a touchdown with a snow angel (after Johnson did one first). There was only one problem: Johnson did not score a touchdown.
Johnson picked up the ball after Shaun Draughn broke through to block Pat O’Donnell’s punt. Johnson returned the ball 25 yards but was pushed out at the 4-yard line. Robinson thought Johnson scored and celebrated.
Robinson’s 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct pushed the 49ers’ offense back to the 19-yard line. After going nowhere in three plays, kicker Phil Dawson booted a 31-yard field goal to give the 49ers a 3-0 lead in the middle of the second quarter.
This ‘n’ that
--The 49ers’ field goals in the first half were set up by special teams. After Draughn’s blocked punt and Johnson’s return, it was Jimmie Ward who stepped up with a big play. Ward stripped Chicago kickoff return man Deonte Thompson and recovered at the Bears’ 37.
Dawson, who earlier hit a 31-yard field goal, made a 28-yard kick to give the 49ers a short-lived 6-0 lead with 1:56 remaining in the first half.
--Outside linebacker Aaron Lynch misseed his fifth consecutive game with a high-ankle sprain. Lynch has appeared in just three games this season. He served a four-game suspension to begin the season for violating the NFL’s policy on substances of abuse. He was injured late in the 49ers’ Oct. 23 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The next week was the 49ers’ bye week. Eli Harold will start in place of Lynch for the ninth time this season.
--Wide receiver Quinton Patton was cleared to return to action after sustaining a concussion last week. The 49ers had six wide receivers active for the game: Patton, Torrey Smith, Jeremy Kerley, Rod Streater, Aaron Burbridge, and Chris Harper.
