SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Alex Smith is getting a big chance to resurrect his career. All but forgotten, the former No. 1 overall pick is the San Francisco 49ers’ new starting quarterback — again.
“I don’t know if I’d say surprised. I don’t know if I was anticipating it, either,” Smith said Monday after getting the news from coach Mike Singletary. “It’s the opportunity I’ve been waiting for; happy.”
Singletary made the announcement Monday after also sitting down with Shaun Hill, who was benched after the first half of the Niners’ a 24-21 loss at Houston on Sunday.
Smith, who hadn’t played in nearly two years, came in and gave the offense a much-needed jolt of energy and efficiency, and he nearly led San Francisco (3-3) back from a 21-0 deficit.
Dolphins’ Allen out for season
Will Allen’s season-ending knee injury will force the Miami Dolphins to go with two rookie cornerbacks beginning Sunday against the New York Jets.
Allen hurt the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the third quarter of the Dolphins’ loss to New Orleans and will require surgery, coach Tony Sparano said.
He’ll be replaced in the lineup by 2009 first-round draft pick Vontae Davis. Second-round pick Sean Smith has been starting opposite Allen.
No decision on Delhomme
After another abysmal performance Sunday left Carolina 2-4 and Jake Delhomme with an NFL-high 13 interceptions, John Fox acknowledged Monday he’s contemplating benching Delhomme in favor of either Matt Moore or A.J. Feeley.
The Carolina Panthers coach strongly supported Delhomme after he committed six turnovers in January’s playoff loss. He stayed behind his quarterback after an ugly start to this season.
“I still believe Jake is our best quarterback. I have no reason to believe otherwise, truth be told,” Fox said. “But collectively we’ll do whatever it takes for us to improve. What that is I can’t honestly tell you at this second.”
Fisher mum on QB situation
Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher won’t say who will start at quarterback Sunday against Jacksonville, citing “competitive reasons.”
Fisher has stuck with Kerry Collins over Vince Young this season in the Titans’ 0-6 start. The team has lost eight straight games dating back to last season when they sprinted out to a 10-0 start as part of the NFL’s best mark at 13-3.
Fisher says both quarterbacks did well during the bye week but that Collins was especially good.
Edwards faces assault charge
Authorities say New York Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards has been charged with misdemeanor assault over accusations he punched a man outside a Cleveland nightclub.
Cleveland city prosecutor Victor Perez filed the charge Monday. It carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
An arraignment was scheduled for Nov. 17 in Cleveland Municipal Court.
Patrick D’Angelo, an attorney for Edwards, says his client will plead not guilty.
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