49ers QB Alex Smith (concussion) was on the field for Wednesday's practice, but remained in a non-contact jersey.  Both Smith and HC Jim Harbaugh are confident the QB will be cleared before the weekend.  “I feel good. I feel really good," Smith said. "So I'm kind of expecting things to go well.”  Harbaugh still hasn't announced whether Colin Kaepernick or a healthy Smith will be his Week 12 starter.  Fantasy owners looking to start Kaepernick might not get an answer before Friday.

Colin Kaepernick's ultra-impressive starting debut against the Bears on Monday night has created a QB controversy in San Fran.  49ers HC Jim Harbaugh was non-committal when asked about the situation in his post-game press conference.  "We'll see," was Harbaugh's response.  "We tend to go with the hot-hand, and both guys are hot right now."  It's a bit surprising considering how successful the 'Niners have been with Alex Smith under center the past 2 years.  But the electricity Kaepernick brought to the offense on Monday night can't be ignored.  He finished 16 of 23 for 243 yards and 2 TDs.  He added 12 yards on 4 carries -- and we know there's rushing upside beyond that.  Kaepernick is certainly worth grabbing in all fantasy leagues as we wait for this situation to sort itself out.  It's not even guaranteed that Smith will be medically cleared before this weekend's game against the Saints.

49ers QB Alex Smith is OUT for tonight's game against the Bears. It's surprising news after he looked to be on track to play. But ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that Smith was unable to pass his contact tests. He'll now aim for a Week 12 return. Meanwhile, QB Colin Kaepernick will get the start tonight. Filling in for Smith last week, he went 11 of 17 for 117 yards. Kaepernick added another 66 yards and a score on the ground. While he's still raw as a passer, his athleticism makes him an intriguing fantasy option. A tough draw against the Bears dampens our enthusiasm. But if you still need a QB for this week, we like Kaepernick over Chicago's Jason Campbell tonight. Check out our projections for both guys here.

49ers QB Alex Smith (concussion) put in another limited practice on Saturday.  He's been listed as questionable for Monday night's game against the Bears.  Smith will go through one more round of testing on Sunday.  As long as he checks out, he'll start on Monday.  Smith will be just a low-end QB2 against Chicago's 3rd-ranked QB defense.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that 49ers QB Alex Smith (concussion) has passed his baseline tests.  Barring a setback, he'll play against the Bears on Monday night.  While Smith isn't much of a fantasy option in a tough matchup, his presence is good news for the rest of San Fran's offense.  Smith is still a more reliable passer than QB Colin Kaepernick.

49ers HC Jim Harbaugh had good news on QB Alex Smith (concussion) on Monday.  "(He's) doing much better, had a good night's sleep last night," Harbaugh said. "And symptoms are positive today. He's visiting with a neurologist later this afternoon."  Smith still needs to pass his baseline tests in order to get back on the field.  The extra day before next Monday night's game should help, but Smith should still only be considered 50-50 to play.  QB Colin Kaepernick would start if Smith can't.  Neither guy will be a fantasy option against Chicago's 4th-ranked QB defense.

49ers QB Alex Smith sustained a concussion in the 2nd quarter of Sunday's game against the Rams.  He's done for the day.  The athletic Colin Kaepernick will be under center for San Fran the rest of the way.

49ers QB Alex Smith (finger) is active for today's game against the Giants.  He practiced all week and didn't appeared to be hindered by that sprained middle finger.  Smith remains a fine QB2 in fantasy.

49ers QB Alex Smith (finger) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Giants.  He practiced in full all week and was reportedly throwing with plenty of zip.  The sprained middle finger on his throwing hand shouldn't be a factor on Sunday.

49ers HC Jim Harbaugh says QB Alex Smith (finger) is "fine" after watching him throw on Tuesday.  Smith is dealing with a sprained middle finger on his throwing hand.  It's a minor concern, but he's in no danger of missing Sunday's game against the Giants.  Smith is a mid-range QB2 for that one.

49ers HC Jim Harbaugh admits he's concerned about the injury to QB Alex Smith's right middle finger.  "It's very much of a concern," Harbaugh said. "We'll see how it is. Alex, it's well-documented how tough he is. He talks about it not being a big deal. So we'll see."  Smith previously stated that he'd play this weekend, and we're still expecting him to.  We'll see how much practice he puts in this week.

49ers QB Alex Smith sprained the middle finger on his right (throwing) hand on his final pass in Sunday's game against the Bills.  X-rays came back negative.  Smith's status will be worth monitoring, but it's a minor injury that he should be able to play through.  We'll update his status throughout the week.

Insider Matt Maiocco doesn't expect the 49ers to throw much more this year than they did last, despite offseason additions of WRs Randy Moss, Mario Manningham, and A.J. Jenkins.  "The 49ers do not want to throw the ball more," Maiocco writes. "But they want to throw the ball more effectively when they do throw it.  But the same overall approach as last season will be in play.  Alex Smith will take the occasional shot down the field, but he's going to check it down and take what's there."  San Fran finished 31st in pass attempts last year and doesn't figure to climb out of the bottom-third of the league in 2012.  Besides TE Vernon Davis, we're not targeting any members of the 49ers passing game.

QB Alex Smith and the 49ers have agreed to a 3-year deal believed to be worth about $24 million.  Smith flirted with the Dolphins after having his feelings hurt by the Niners' pursuit of Peyton Manning, but returning to San Fran was always his best option.  Smith is a good fit as a game-manager type in HC Jim Harbaugh's run-heavy attack.  The 49ers added some weapons this offseason in WRs Mario Manningham and Randy Moss, but we're still not confident enough in Smith's ability to call him anything more than a mid-range QB2.

49ers QB Alex Smith (concussion) will start today's game against the Bengals after putting in a full week of practice.  He's not a fantasy option, though, especially with WR Braylon Edwards (knee) out and WR Michael Crabtree (foot) still at less than 100%.

The 49ers confirmed that QB Alex Smith has received full medical clearance after suffering a minor concussion last weekend.  He' put in a full practice on Wednesday and will start Sunday's game against the Bengals.

49ers QB Alex Smith reportedly suffered a concussion in last Sunday's game against the Cowboys.  He was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, though, so he'll play this weekend barring a setback.

Alex Smith has been named San Francisco's Week 1 starter.  It's more a reflection on QB Colin Kaepernick's unrefined game than Smith's ability.  The former #1 overall pick completed just 56% of his passes with 0 TDs and 2 INTs this preseason.  He's unlikely to keep the job the entire season and isn't a recommended fantasy option.

49ers QB Alex Smith was benched for part of the 1st half of Saturday night's game against the Texans.  He completed 2 of 4 passes for 17 yards in his first 2 offensive possessions.  Rookie QB Colin Kaepernick then entered for 2 series before Smith returned to toss an incompletion and an interception.  Kaepernick finished the 2nd half and wound up 6 of 16 for 52 yards and a pick.  This passing game is looking real ugly.  Smith is still locked-in as the team's Week 1 starter, but Kaepernick could easily end up with more playing time this season.  It's all bad news for guys like Michael Crabtree, Braylon Edwards, and Vernon Davis.