Alex Smith injury: Signs point to 49ers QB playing vs. Bears

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith is expected to start against the Bears on Monday night after participating in a full week of practice. Smith got most of the first team reps this week, making it unlikely that the 49ers are playing coy and will really start Colin Kaepernick, who has never started an NFL game in his career.

Smith suffered a concussion last week during the 49ers tie with the St. Louis Rams, and was replaced by Kaepernick in the second quarter. He's listed on the San Francisco injury report as questionable, but it would be surprising at this point if he doesn't play. He's third in the NFL in quarterback rating, with a career high 104.1 rating, which trails only Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers.

The Bears will be without their quarterback, Jay Cutler, who suffered his own concussion last week against the Houston Texans. Jason Campbell gets the start in relief.