If San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith still has any rooting sections among the 49ers Faithful, they should be aware that Alex is still on the outs as the 49ers resumed practice for the first time since their London trip.
Comcast's Matt Maiocco reports that in the 49ers' first team practice back stateside, Troy Smith got all the first-team reps while Alex Smith looked on, not practicing. Crystal ballers could take this as an early but solid indication that Troy Smith will get the nod this Sunday at Candlestick against the St. Louis Rams.
Alex Smith is still nursing a sprained left shoulder. He is also, once again, in something of a war of the words with coach Mike Singletary.
"(Singletary) and I have different views on leadership," Alex told the Sacramento Bee this week. "And I think that even goes back to the core of offense and defense - very different things. You know, being a middle linebacker and what leadership is and being a quarterback are different things."
Singletary was a middle linebacker for 12 seasons with the Chicago Bears. So the remark was rather pointedly directed at him.
Both Smiths, Alex and Troy, tell the Bee they have not been informed which Smith is ahead on Singletary's depth chart.
Joe Kukura is a freelance writer who thinks Troy Smith should be both San Francisco's starting quarterback and interim mayor.
