NFL Odds: Former Heisman Winner Troy Smith to Start at QB for 49ers in Week 8

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Kahnawake, qc, October 29, 2010 —

The 49ers are changing Smiths at quarterback for this week’s game in London against the Denver Broncos as former Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith will get the start because Alex Smith has a separated shoulder.

This move is a bit surprising because David Carr was No. 2 on the quarterback depth chart. And Carr came on against Carolina last week when Alex Smith was injured; however, Carr did throw an interception that led to the winning field goal for the Panthers.

Troy Smith has not started a game since his rookie season with the Ravens in 2007. He started the final two games of that season, going 1-1 and going 32 of 60 for 370 yards, two touchdowns and two fumbles lost in those two starts. After the Ravens added Marc Bulger as their backup quarterback this offseason, Smith was bumped to the third-string role and then eventually released.

Alex Smith has a separated non-throwing shoulder and will miss 2-3 weeks. The former No. 1 overall pick has thrown for 1,554 yards with nine touchdowns and nine interceptions in seven games this season, with the Niners going 1-6. San Francisco has a bye next week, meaning he may be able to return for the team’s game against St. Louis on Nov. 14.

San Francisco coach Mike Singletary said this week he still believes his team can make the playoffs despite the 1-6 start. Singletary said Troy Smith had never taken first-team snaps in practice with the Niners before this week, but that he’s catching on quickly.

“He’s been studying since we got here, and has been getting with the coaches as much as he possibly could,” Singletary said. “He has enough of the offense to play.”

San Francisco is a 1-point favorite on Bodog’s NFL odds.

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