49ers quarterback Alex Smith cleared for non-contract drills

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith has been cleared for non-contact drills as San Francisco gets ready for a Week 11 showdown against the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football.

Smith suffered a concussion during San Francisco's Week 10 tie with the St. Louis Rams. Smith was hit in the head by Rams linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar on a fourth-and-one quarterback sneak attempt, but stayed in and finished the drive with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Michael Crabtree.

Shortly after, Smith complained of blurred vision and did not return to the game. Smith was replaced by Colin Kaepernick, who will start on Monday night if Smith does not gain medical clearance.

For Smith and the 49ers, it's a major step in the right direction, as the concussed quarterback passed his first round of concussion tests. Still, Smith will have to pass another series of tests before being cleared for contact.

Smith has completed 152-of-217 passes this season (70.0%) for 1,731 yards while throwing for 13 touchdowns against five interceptions. Smith's 104.1 quarterback rating is third in the NFL.