$110million quarterback Colin Kaepernick benched by San Francisco 49ers after terrible start to season

Less than three years after leading his team to the Super Bowl, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepeick has reportedly been benched following a poor start to the season.

Coach Jim Tomsula said that the team was evaluating changes after going 2-6 through the first eight weeks, with the 49ers' young playmaker seemingly  losing his spot after the team's most recent defeat on Sunday.

Kaepeick, who is one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the league after signing a more than $110million deal last summer, is expected to be replaced by former Jacksonville Jaguar Blaine Gabbert.

Kaepeick was seen as a rising star in his first several seasons (right, February 2014) but has since fallen from grace after his team's poor performance (left, on Sunday)

The change, first reported by bayareasportsguy.com, came after the 49ers 27-6 loss against the division rival St Louis Rams.

It was the team's second consecutive game without a touchdown.

Kaepeick, who tus 28 on Tuesday, has thrown just six touchdowns and was plagued by six interceptions while completing 59 per cent of his passes this season.

He impressed observers when entering the league and was trumpeted as a 'New Age' player who could run as well as throw. 

Last year's deal was reported at more than $110million, though ESPN says that it guaranteed Kaepeick only $61million, a more likely figure given his recent fall from grace. 

Blaine Gabbert (left) will reportedly take over as starter for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons, though his previous experience in the NFL has been lackluster

Fan websites such as Bay Area Sports Guy have reported locker room trouble, with tension because of Kaepeick's alleged involvement with the radio personality ex-girlfriend of a former teammate and the team's poor performance.

The quarterback was allegedly criticized by veteran tight end Veon Davis during a players-only meeting early last month, though offensive tackle Joe Staley apparently defended Kaepeick.

The 49ers shakeup also included trading Davis to the Denver Broncos on Monday.

Gabbert, a University of Missouri product, was also highly touted in the 2011 NFL Draft, but met with poor results after entering the pros with the Jaguars.

He has a career quarterback rating of 66.8 more than 20 points lower than Kaepeick's. 

Gabbert's first start would be Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, who have posted a strong 6-2 record.