Oct

25

QB Alex Smith Returns Next Week Vs. Saints

Posted by sf49ers

October 25, 2007 |

Starting QB Alex Smith is expected to start next Sunday, 10/28, against the downtrodden New Orleans Saints. It is expected that he will be in the lineup but as for starting every snap, well there’s a possibility that he can participate in limited play. Here is the full article:

It’s not an open and shut case but head coach Mike Nolan does expect to have quarterback Alex Smith back in the starting lineup for Sunday.

“Right now, I’m expecting Alex,” said Nolan. “We’ll see what he can do before I go any further. I’d rather wait till then and just leave it at that. We’ll see what’s up.”

For the first time since separating his shoulder in the Seattle game, the 49ers starting quarterback was able to take part in a complete practice without limitations.

“It was good to be back out there,” said Smith. “It felt great. It was good to shake some of that rust off because it had been a few weeks. Taking the reps, throwing those balls, as the day went on it got better and better.”

Smith originally hoped to return to action for the Giants game, but he was unable to go full throttle last week and did not take any reps during team drills.

The third-year quarterback took a full load this Wednesday, completing both short and long passes.

“It’s good to have your starting quarterback back out there,” said wide receiver Arnaz Battle. “He’s always been steady for us in there, and was in there for all 16 games last year. Unfortunately he’s had this injury but I know he’s ready to get back in there and compete and we’re glad to have him back out there.”

Coach Nolan said last week that it was important for Smith to have confidence in his arm, something that would come once he had a chance to take some full reps.

According to tight end Delanie Walker Smith took back his huddle with poise and determination.

“He came in there confident and ready,” said Walker. “On the first snap it was ‘let’s get it right, let’s be focused.’ He made a good throw on the first play and I knew he was ready.”

Barring any setbacks from now through Friday, Smith should be heading the offense when the Saints march into town.

“I am hopeful that things will continue like they did today and I will start on Sunday,” said Smith. “I’ll continue to rehab to, but definitely that’s what I expect.”

The 49ers offensive line gave up six sacks last week, including one that was returned for a 75-yard fumble. Quarterback Trent Dilfer was drilled hard several other times, including taking two late hits that resulted in penalties on New York.

Considering the inconsistent play of the offensive line and that Smith’s injury was caused on a sack, it’s important that the 49ers quarterback is ready to take a hit.

“I do think so,” said Smith when asked about that aspect. “My shoulder is definitely strong enough and with all the rehab I’ve been doing, I definitely feel like I can take a hit and be fine.”

The Saints weren’t getting much out of their pass rush in their first four losses, but they’ve amassed eight sacks in their last two wins. This is a Saints secondary that has conceded big plays in the passing game, but to take advantage of those opportunities, Smith needs some help from his line.

“We need to keep guys off of him with him getting back,” said guard Justin Smiley. “Alex is a tough guy. I don’t think people realize how tough Alex is. He takes some hard licks and keeps getting up and then you’ll see him pull the ball down and run. He doesn’t play timid, but it’s very important for us – whether it’s Trent, Alex, or Shaun Hill back there, we want to protect. Obviously, that’s something we’ve got to do better.”

Even with heavy pressure last week, Dilfer did deliver on some big plays including a 47-yard strike to Ashley Lelie. Hitting on more of those big plays while eliminating penalties and costly turnovers is something Smith is eager to take part in this week.

“It’s been hard to watch,” admitted Smith. “Trent and those guys did a lot of good things out there, but in watching the film, you can really see the potential because there were still a lot of plays left out there too. We hurt ourselves in a lot of way obviously. I’d like to get back out there and help this team take that step and get where we are trying to go.”

Lelie would of course also like to continue to be an integral part of the offense, and he could get even more time this week. With starting wide receiver Darrell Jackson battling a quad injury, Nolan said if Jackson can’t go Lelie would get the start on Sunday, alongside Arnaz Battle.

“When I get my opportunity, I just want to keep making plays,” said Lelie. “I really can’t think about how much time I’m going to get, it’s just when I do get time, I’ve got to make the best of it.”

Lelie twice played this Saints defense last year as a member of the Atlanta Falcons.

“Their corners are solid and I know that group pretty well from seeing them last year,” said Lelie. “They don’t like to bump and run as much as last week’s group, but they are a solid defense and we’ll have to make plays to beat them.”

More Practice Notes:

T Jonas Jennings (ankle) and WR Darrell Jackson (quad) were not on the original injury report following the Giants game but were diagnosed with their injuries late Monday. Both players did not practice on Wednesday.

LB Tully Banta-Cain (ankle) practiced with no restrictions, after being limited last week and in the Giants game with an ankle injury.

S Keith Lewis (hamstring) remains out of practice. He was hurt in the Baltimore game and was inactive for the Giants game last week.

G Larry Allen, CB Walt Harris and DT Bryant Young did not work on Wednesday, following a program designed by the coaching staff to limit their work week.

Source: sf49ers.com


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