Jim Tomsula and the San Francisco 49ers have made a change at quarterback, naming Blaine Gabbert as the team's starter on Wednesday morning.

The move, which Tomsula suggested will be evaluated on a week-by-week basis, comes after Colin Kaepernick led the team to a 2-6 record through Week 8. San Francisco next takes the field on Sunday at home against the Atlanta Falcons.

"I met with the quarterbacks on Monday and made the decision to go with Blain Gabbert," Tomsula said. "It was a tough decision, but I feel it's the direction we need to go."

San Francisco acquired Blaine Gabbert via trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars in March of 2014. He has appeared in one regular season game for the club, completing 3-of-7 passes for 38 yards and a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in Week 7 of last season.

Gabbert signed a two-year deal with the 49ers in the offseason. The 26-year-old, originally selected 10th overall in the 2011 draft, has thrown for 4,395 yards, 23 touchdowns and 24 interceptions in 29 career games.

This preseason with the 49ers, Gabbert finished 23-of-28 passing for 203 yards and a score.

Gabbert now steps in for Kaepernick, who has turned in mixed results in eight starts this year. Overall, Kaepernick has totaled 1,615 passing yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions. He has run for 256 yards on 45 attempts as well.