Alex Smith Cleared But Colin Kaepernick Will Start

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith will be sitting on the sidelines during the team’s game against the New Orleans Saints today. Smith was cleared to play but coach Jim Harbaugh has decided to play backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

According to Sporting News, Smith, who missed last week’s game due to a concussion, was cleared to play today against the Saints. Jim Harbaugh has decided to bench Smith and will instead go with Colin Kaepernick who made his starting debut last week against the Chicago Bears.

Sports Center wrote on Twitter: “Alex Smith has been told that Colin Kaepernick will start for the @49ers today.”

Smith will reportedly be active as the backup quarterback for the 49ers. The 49ers have not made an official announcement about their starting quarterback yet.

Kaepernick had an impressive debut last week against the Chicago Bears. He threw for 243 yards, 2 touchdowns and proved that he has what it takes to start in the NFL. But that doesn’t mean that the 49ers should bench Smith.

According to Bleacher Report, Smith signed a three-year $24 million contract extension in March. Smith lead the 49ers to an NFC Division title last year and has thrown for more than 1700 yards in 2012. Smith has been a solid quarterback for the 49ers and doesn’t deserve to lose his job due to a concussion.

Do you think Harbaugh has found a new starter or does he just want to give Smith another week of rest?