San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Update: Troy Smith Will Start, Alex Smith Hurt

October 31, 2010   ·   Andrew Leigh   ·   Jump to comments

Beleaguered San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith was finally forced out of action last week after suffering a shoulder injury during the Niners loss on the road against the Carolina Panthers.

Back up David Carr, who the San Francisco fans had chanted for during Smith's struggles, had a poor showing of his own relieving Smith. His play late in the game directly contributed to the San Francisco loss, and now he's been bypassed by coach Mike Singletary.

With no Smith and Carr on the bench, Troy Smith will start in London for the Niners. He'll be asked to run an offense that has been inconsistent in the passing game and relies on the running of Frank Gore to establish itself.

Smith is mobile in the pocket but has never been very successful in the NFL, so the Niners passing game may continue to flounder.