FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 11/3/2009 11:14am et

The Sacramento Bee reports 36 of the San Francisco 49ers' 54 offensive plays in Week 8 were passes. The 49ers also called 17 pass plays on first down as opposed to eight runs. However, the team did not use many three-wide receiver sets, as they did in Week 7. Though QB Alex D. Smith has appeared to excel when the team uses the spread attack, head coach Mike Singletary said Monday, Nov. 2, he was hesitant to turn to it more because it puts so much pressure on a quarterback who has started only one game this season. 'You don't want to put him in a situation where, 'OK, is Alex really ready to do that?' ' Singletary said. 'You take a step back. 'Is our offensive line really ready to do that?' '

The Huddle Take: Whatever offense they run, as long as they're passing on a regular basis, that's good for those who had to take a flier on Smith. And now that Michael Crabtree has put together two solid games (he hasn't seen the end zone but he's averaging about 70 yards per game), you might want to consider taking a chance on the rookie this week at home against Tennessee if you have injury or bye week WR issues.

Posted: 10/26/2009 4:28pm et

The NFL Network reports San Francisco 49ers QB Alex D. Smith has been named the team's starting quarterback heading into Week 8.

The Huddle Take: This isn't exactly shocking news, but it is at least mildly surprising. Vernon Davis probably likes the change, considering he had three TDs after the switch was made. We'll find out soon enough if Smith's outstanding numbers against Houston were a sign of great things to come or just a case of an opposing defense not being prepared one bit for an in-game QB switch. It would be advisable to hold off on Smith this week, since the 49ers have to play the Colts in Indianapolis.

Posted: 6/7/2009 12:29am et

Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers QB Alex D. Smith worked with the first-team offense during practice Friday, June 5. Head coach Mike Singletary said people should not read anything into Smith playing with the first team in terms of the quarterback competition.

The Huddle Take: At the risk of drawing Singletary's ire, we'll go ahead and read into Smith working with the first team. You don't throw a guy out there with the ones if you aren't going to use him, so Smith certainly has to be considered the current leader for the job. Of course, there's a lot of battle yet to be fought.

Posted: 3/20/2009 4:19pm et

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary said QB Alex D. Smith has been cleared to participate fully in the team's minicamp.

The Huddle Take: Smith has battled shoulder problems for the past two seasons, but he looks to be healthy enough to battle Shaun Hill for the 49ers' starting gig.

Posted: 3/10/2009 11:59pm et

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports the San Francisco 49ers announced that they have agreed with QB Alex D. Smith on a pay reduction as part of a new two-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. 'We have reached an agreement with Alex and his agent to keep him as a member of the San Francisco 49ers,' general manager Scot McCloughan said. 'Alex expressed a deep interest to remain with the team and that feeling was mutual.'

The Huddle Take: Despite the deal, don't expect Smith to start the season as the starter for the 49ers. With competition from Shaun Hill, it is more likely to see Smith backing up Hill at least for the start of the regular season unless something unexpected happens in training camp.

Posted: 12/18/2008 12:12pm et

The Associated Press reports San Francisco 49ers QB Alex D. Smith (shoulder), who is on Injured Reserve, has remained around the team since being knocked out of the season with more shoulder problems. In regards to the future, Smith is interested in remaining with the 49ers and he seems willing to take a big pay cut. According to Smith, he is getting a chip on his shoulder and would like a chance to prove everyone wrong.

The Huddle Take: Mike Nolan's departure might open a door for Smith to return, but Shaun Hill has staked a solid claim to the Niners' starting job. If Smith is willing to take a pay cut, there are sure to be plenty of teams willing to give the former first overall selection a test drive in the offseason.