49ers QB Smith officially questionable vs. Saints
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith was officially listed as questionable Friday, although the team has yet to announce who will start Sunday's game at the New Orleans Saints.
Smith missed last Monday night's victory over the Chicago Bears with a concussion, and needs to pass a "contact test" before being cleared to play against the Saints. He took part in "limited" practice Friday.
49ers safety Donte Whitner might have let the cat out of the bag earlier Friday when he said on "The Dan Patrick Show" that Colin Kaepernick would start against the Saints.
49ers coaches have refused to say definitively this week whether Kaepernick would get the start. While attempting to avoid a quarterback controversy, they apparently have created one.
Offensive coordinator Greg Roman said Wednesday that no decision had been made, which was contrary to a Sports Illustrated report that indicated coach Jim Harbaugh informed Smith that Kaepernick would receive the nod.
ESPN reported Friday that Smith had passed the league's protocol and was cleared to play Sunday against the Saints.
Roman said earlier that Smith looked good in practice this week. However, Kaepernick has taken taken the first-team reps in practice.
Kaepernick created the shake-up by playing well in the 32-7 win over the Bears, completing 19 of 23 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns.
Before Smith sustained the concussion on Nov. 11 against St. Louis, has was having a solid season, connecting on 70 percent of his passes with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions.
