Alex Smith injury: 49ers remain mum on QB vs. Bears

After practicing on a limited basis on Thursday and Friday, the 49ers still haven't publicly decided whether Alex Smith will be ready to play on Monday night or if Colin Kaepernick will start his first career game against the Bears. On Friday, 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh spoke to John Mullin of CSN Chicago about the progress that Smith has made in recovering from the concussion suffered during a 24-24 tie with the Rams:

"Seems like things are progressing as it does," said San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh. "And then the same thing we've always said is, again, it's in the doctor's hands and they'll evaluate him as the week goes. There seems to be some progress."

The Bears announced on Friday that their starting quarterback, Jay Cutler, would be out for Monday's game after suffering a similar injury on Sunday night against the Texans. While the Bears will have seven-year veteran Jason Campbell ready to start, the 49ers would have to turn to Kaepernick if Smith can not play.

A second round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Kaepernick has seen several snaps during the 2012 season in which he's been used as a wildcat-type player. He has attempted 26 passes and rushed the ball 21 times during the season.