Alex Smith has supplanted Shaun Hill as the starting quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported Monday.
Coach Mike Singletary announced that Smith will start next week's game at unbeaten Indianapolis after a strong performance relieving an ineffective Hill in Sunday's 24-21 loss to Houston.
"I don't think it's the same old Alex," Singletary told the newspaper. "I think Alex has matured, I think he's grown, and I think he's ready to play. And we're going to find out. We'll find out next week."
Hill, who won the job in preseason, was 6-of-11 for 45 yards in the first half as the 49ers fell behind, 21-0. Smith, a former top overall draft pick, started the second half and was 15-of-22 for 206 yards, three TDs and an interception.
Smith has better arm strength than Hill, which would help the 49ers stretch the field a bit more with their passing game.
As the backup, Smith also had been working in practice with rookie receiver Michael Crabtree. In his first game following a long holdout, Crabtree had five catches for 56 yards. Smith found him three times for 34 yards and had a 17-yard completion wiped out by a motion penalty.
Hill has not started a game since Nov. 12, 2007 for the 49ers, who are 3-3 straight up and 4-1-1 against the spread. They are getting 11.5 points from the Colts with a total of 44.