Troy Smith will likely start at quarterback Sunday against the Rams. But based on what Mike Singletary said today, Smith might just be keeping the seat warm until Alex Smith is fully healed from his separated non-throwing shoulder. Singletary said he did not think that Alex Smith has been medically cleared to practice.

UPDATED: Mike Singletary’s appearance on KNBR this morning with Murph and Mac was the first opportunity for him to address who will start at quarterback on Sunday against the Rams. And, also, the first chance to get his comments on Alex Smith’s comments about his comment on a lack of offensive leadership in the season’s first seven games. Got that? I’ve posted the relevant questions here. I’ll update this blog…

Alex Smith hasn’t thrown a football for 15 days due to his separated shoulder, but he’s clearly capable of swinging back in response to a verbal shot from his coach. Smith, who hasn’t been cleared to practice, was asked today about Mike Singletary’s comments regarding a lack of offensive leadership in the first half of the season, an opinion Singletary expressed prior to the Broncos game. For obvious reasons, it…

A few odds and ends as the second half of the season begins … • After the Niners fell to 1-6 — and three-and-half games out of first place — with a loss to the previously winless Panthers on Oct. 24, Mike Singletary offered the quote that launched a thousand sighs, “We’re going to make a season of it,” he said. “And I still believe we can go to the…

Even at 2-6, midseason awards must be handed out. But Alex Smith and David Carr might not want to collect their hardware: MVPRB Frank Gore: He’s the Niners’ leading rusher, receiver and, if such a category existed, he’s lead the NFL in number of blitzing linebackers redirected. He’s accounted for 40 percent of the offensive yardage and is on pace for 2,078 all-purpose yards, 103 shy of breaking his own…

(UPDATED WITH Nos. 1-10) Since y’all won’t be game planning or breaking down film during this bye week, you might have time to watch the NFL Network unveil its top 10 players of all-time at 6 p.m. today. Steve Young came in at No. 81 on the network’s top-100 list and Ronnie Lott just missed appearing in tonight’s series finale, checking in at No. 11. Mike Singletary, by the way,…

Shawntae Spencer was speaking to the media in an interview room at Wembley Stadium after Sunday’s game and his teammate, Takeo Spikes, was in the audience, listening along with a group of reporters. Spikes was waiting for his turn to talk. But he couldn’t resist playing sportswriter and asking Spencer a question. I figured Spikes’ question would be humorous. But it wasn’t. He was sincere as he asked Spencer about…

“Everything he’s done this offseason, to me, exemplifies leadership and the character that we want on this football team … If he’s not a leader, then he wouldn’t be a captain on this team. Hopefully you want that position (quarterback) to be a leader, and fortunately we have that this year.” — Mike Singletary on Alex Smith being named a team captain, Sept. 8 “One thing that you have in…

Given Troy Smith’s inexperience and rust, the 49ers can’t be faulted for easing him into Sunday’s game, particularly after he fired a few early throws to Greenwich. Still, they went a little crazy with that easing-in stuff. Mike Singletary deserves praise for starting Smith over David Carr. But given the way the Niners kept their quarterback in shackles for three quarters, it gave the impression Singletary based his decision on…

After writing, and packing and disputing incorrect hotel charges (I did not use the mini bar!), I’m scared of what might happen if I’d tried to blog something in English. With that in mind, I’ll play it safe. Here are the links from the Niners’ 24-16 win over the Broncos, all written long before the mini-bar controversy.

Cheers from Wembley Stadium. It’s a nice place they have here. I had initially envisioned Wembley as the English version of Fenway Park or Lambeau Field. You know, charming. Rustic. Horribly smelly bathrooms. Shows you what I know. The original Wembley Stadium, opened in 1923, was demolished in 2003. This place, which was built on the same site, was opened in 2007. It’s a sparkling modern complex, complete with, most…

At a fan forum at the Landmark Hotel in London today, an Irish man wearing a Jerry Rice jersey called Candlestick Park an “old-school stadium” while asking a question of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. The Commish, clearly well aware that Candlestick is more accurately described as a dump, responded “That’s a nice way to put it.” Goodell knows the 49ers’ home since 1971 has seen better days. But he’s also…

Niners fans already knew they would get their first look at quarterback Troy Smith on Sunday. And based on what Mike Singletary said today, they might also get their most extended looks of the season at backup running backs Brian Westbrook and Anthony Dixon when the 49ers meet the Broncos at Wembley Stadium. Yes, we know, Singletary and offensive coordinator Mike Johnson have delivered this line before. A lot.

In his first seven seasons in the NFL — his first three with the 49ers — Denver wide receiver Brandon Lloyd played for four teams and never had more than 733 yards or 48 catches in a season. He was traded by the 49ers, released by the Redskins and discarded by the Bears. Last year, his first with the Broncos, he was inactive for the first 14 games.

Niners offensive coordinator Mike Johnson will have to spend more time putting together a game plan this week here in England. Several extra hours are required when the new starting quarterback is about as mysterious as Yorkshire Pudding. Most San Francisco fans will be getting their extensive look at Troy Smith when the former Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State plays against the Broncos on Sunday. And they won’t be…

Do you know how some people can, say, look at a map of a subway system in a strange city and figure out where they need to go? I can look at the same map and cry. When it comes to common sense and travel, I’m a zero on a scale of 272. Already this season, I’ve become flummoxed by Southwest’s pre-boarding policy and somehow lost my boarding ticket while…

In the aftermath of a loss to the Chiefs in Week 3, Mike Singletary told linebacker Takeo Spikes that he’d be sharing snaps with rookie NaVorro Bowman the rest of the season. The move was made to help reduce the wear and tear on the 33-year-old Spikes, a 13-year veteran. Spikes wasn’t initially thrilled about his reduction in playing time, but has since softened his stance, Singletary said today. “At…

If the 49ers’ season is still salvageable, it will be up to Troy Smith to help save it. Mike Singletary announced today that Smith, not nine-year veteran and presumptive backup David Carr, will start in place of Alex Smith on Sunday against the Broncos at Wembley Stadium. Smith will miss two to three weeks with a separation of his non-throwing shoulder.

Mike Singletary now has more votes of confidence than wins this season. Niners owner John York said today in London that Singletary will remain San Francisco’s head coach through the remainder of the season despite the team’s 1-6 start. “Yes,” York said. “He’s our coach.”

Greetings from London, where Andrew Elliott writes in today’s Daily Express, “Before the season started, the 49ers were touted as Superbowl contenders. But their defence has been porous and their offence has spluttered.” Preseason “Superbowl” contenders? Don’t know about that. Spluttered? That sounds about right.