All signs good for 49ers' Alex Smith
San Francisco 49ers10/25/2007 9:26 AM The Mercury News reports the Alex Smith Watch yielded positive news Wednesday. The 49ers' third-year quarterback practiced without restrictions for the first time since separating his passing shoulder last month, putting him on course to return Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. "It was great to be back out there on the field and in the huddle, and not be sitting there watching," Smith said. "I shook a little rust off, because it's been a few weeks since I was able to take some reps and get comfortable with the shoulder." Barring any setbacks, Smith said he "absolutely" expected to start Sunday, when the 49ers will try to halt a four-game losing streak. The skid has been marked by a floundering offense that has put the 49ers' high expectations for this season on the ropes. Read more