Troy Smith
Once they emerge from their Week 9 bye, quarterback Troy Smith will remain under center for the San Francisco 49ers.
According to Matt Maiocco of Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, Niners coach Mike Singletary has confirmed that Smith will start at quarterback in Week 10 against the St. Louis Rams.
Though he didn’t dazzle anyone with his stat-line against the Broncos in Week 8 – 12/19, 196 yards, one touchdown pass, one touchdown run – Smith did enough for the team to pull off their second victory of the season, keeping them within 2.5 games of the division leading Seattle Seahawks in the anemic NFC West.
Singletary would like Smith to “get a better grasp on the nuances of each play” but chose to go with him over the alternatives: Alex Smith and David Carr.
Troy, a former Heisman Trophy winner, adds a dynamic to the offense that was lacking before – a scrambling quarterback that could make yards with his feet and even get into the endzone. With the All-Pro running back Frank Gore lining up behind him, defenses have to respect that element of their offense and should open up the passing lanes for receiver Michael Crabtree and tight end Vernon Davis.
