Smith officially named starter (and other injury updates)
Alex Smith was named the starting quarterback for the 49ers' game Sunday against the Saints. Coach Mike Nolan made the announcement after practice today. Smith took every snap with the first-team offense for the second day in a row.
Smith sustained a right shoulder separation Sept. 30 against the Seahawks on the 49ers' third offensive play. He did not start the past two games.
Trent Dilfer will be the backup, while Shaun Hill will be the No. 3.
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Running back Frank Gore (right ankle) went through limited practice. He did some individual work but admitted that it was "tough." He said he is day to day, but he said he is confident he'll be able to play Sunday against the Saints.
Wide receiver Darrell Jackson (quad), left tackle Jonas Jennings (ankle) and safety Keith Lewis (hamstring) did not practice. Each is doubtful to play Sunday.
Ashley Lelie will likely start at split end for Jackson. Rookie receiver Jason Hill might make his NFL debut. Nolan said the chances of Hill playing Sunday are "at least 50-50." Hill did not suit up for the first two games of the season. He sustained a hamstring strain that kept him out of the next three games. He was healthy to play against the Giants, but with Jackson, Arnaz Battle, Lelie and Bryan Gilmore ahead of him, he did not suit up.
Adam Snyder is expected to make his second start at left tackle in three games for Jennings, who missed the Oct. 7 game against the Ravens for undisclosed personal reasons.
Alex Smith was named the starting quarterback for the 49ers' game Sunday against the Saints. Coach Mike Nolan made the announcement after practice today. Smith took every snap with the first-team offense for the second day in a row.
Smith sustained a right shoulder separation Sept. 30 against the Seahawks on the 49ers' third offensive play. He did not start the past two games.
Trent Dilfer will be the backup, while Shaun Hill will be the No. 3.
* * *
Running back Frank Gore (right ankle) went through limited practice. He did some individual work but admitted that it was "tough." He said he is day to day, but he said he is confident he'll be able to play Sunday against the Saints.
Wide receiver Darrell Jackson (quad), left tackle Jonas Jennings (ankle) and safety Keith Lewis (hamstring) did not practice. Each is doubtful to play Sunday.
Ashley Lelie will likely start at split end for Jackson. Rookie receiver Jason Hill might make his NFL debut. Nolan said the chances of Hill playing Sunday are "at least 50-50." Hill did not suit up for the first two games of the season. He sustained a hamstring strain that kept him out of the next three games. He was healthy to play against the Giants, but with Jackson, Arnaz Battle, Lelie and Bryan Gilmore ahead of him, he did not suit up.
Adam Snyder is expected to make his second start at left tackle in three games for Jennings, who missed the Oct. 7 game against the Ravens for undisclosed personal reasons.
