NFL: Ex-Ute Smith now 49ers starting QB

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.

Coach Mike Singletary made the announcement Monday after 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.

"As far as will Shaun Hill be back and all this other stuff, we're not going to be a flavor-of-the-month kind of thing where, 'Let's see, this guy will be this week, this guy will be next week,'" Singletary said. "I wanted to make the decision based upon who I feel gives us the best chance to win."

Smith completed his first six passes and finished 15 of 22 for 206 yards and three touchdown passes to tight end Vernon Davis. Davis is the first 49er since Terrell Owens in 2001 to have three TD catches in a game.

The 49ers play at Indianapolis on Sunday, coincidentally the same team Smith debuted against in 2005. This will be his first start since Nov. 12, 2007.

"I think right now overall Alex Smith really just kind of fit the bill in terms of doing the things that we need to get done," Singletary said.

Smith, the No. 1 overall draft pick out of Utah in 2005, missed all of last season after reinjuring his surgically repaired throwing shoulder three days before the season opener. He was set to be the backup to J.T. O'Sullivan.

When this season began, Singletary decided Hill was the best man behind center for San Francisco, a franchise desperate to end a streak of six straight losing seasons.

The 25-year-old Smith has shown signs in practice of being more than ready to handle this role. It was Smith who spent several days during the recent bye week working with receiver and top draft pick Michael Crabtree to get him up to speed on the offense before his debut against the Texans. Crabtree, who finally signed his six-year deal Oct. 7, had five catches in an impressive first game.

Singletary, who insisted his decision wasn't "premeditated," sensed a positive vibe from everybody — save maybe for Hill — with Smith's calm, confident presence on the field. Not that Singletary didn't have a feeling Smith could take charge of his unit and lead the team again after all he's been through.