NFL Rumors: 49ers Plan On Alex Smith Starting In 2011?

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim harbaugh remain confident that Alex Smith will be his starting quarterback in 2011.

“Well, Alex is going to definitely have the head start,” Harbaugh said. “He has played in the National Football League. He’s won games in the National Football League. So if I’m a betting man, I’m betting on Alex Smith.”

That is a serious endorsement from Harbaugh especially considering that he’s not even on their roster as of now.

The 49ers gave Smith their playbook with on Friday so they are not only saying that they want him back but they’re also acting as if they will have him on their roster.

“There’s some trust there,” Harbaugh said. “There’s faith there. I strongly feel Alex that is going to be back here, so I gave him the playbook.”

San Francisco drafted Colin Kaepernick in the second-round but he’ll need some time before he’s ready to run their offensive and Alex Smith would be decent bridge for them. I’m sure that 49er fans aren’t happy about hearing that they’re likely to get another season of Smith but developing a QB is a process.