Though it's not official, signs point to Alex Smith starting for the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.
The quarterback -- who suffered a concussion on Sunday -- practiced in a black (non-contact) jersey for a fourth consecutive day on Saturday, according to Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee.Â
Barrows wrote that Smith's Saturday practice "suggests that he's playing on Monday but doesn't quite clinch it."
49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said Friday that Smith was making "some progress," but added it's "in the doctor's hands." The quarterback is listed as questionable.
Smith was knocked out of the Niners' 24-24 tie with the St. Louis Rams after taking a hit to the back of the helmet at the end of a 4-yard scramble. He completed a touchdown drive, but didn't return after telling the team he was experiencing blurred vision.
The 6-2-1 Niners face the 7-2 Chicago Bears in a conference showdown on Monday night. Jason Campbell will start for the Bears in place of Jay Cutler, who suffered a concussion of his own in Week 10.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @danhanzus.
