Smith closer to starting on Sunday

<p>SANTA CLARA -- Alex Smith will likely make his return to the lineup Sunday, as the 49ers need to get more results out of the quarterback position.</p><p>Smith took part in a full practice for the first time since sustaining a separated throwing shoulder Sept. 30. If he manages to make it through the week without a setback, Smith will start against the New Orleans Saints.</p><p>The 49ers have lost four consecutive games and are in danger of seeing a season that began with promise drift away. Smith said everybody has to concentrate on what he can control.</p><p>"A four-game slide is never easy," Smith said. "We just have to shorten our focus. It's easy to worry about other things. But we have to focus on the now."</p><p>And for Smith, that means being able to throw the ball accurately and with velocity after going three weeks without practicing. He took every practice snap with the first-team offense on Wednesday and made all the throws. Smith admitted to feeling some rust during practice.</p><p>"It's great to be back out there," he said. "As the day went on, I felt better and better."</p><p>The 49ers, however, have other injuries that might prevent them from putting their starting lineup on the field. Running back Frank Gore did not practice Wednesday because of a right ankle sprain. Coach Mike Nolan said he believes Gore will be able to play against the Saints.</p><p>Also, left tackle Jonas Jennings (ankle) and wide receiver Darrell Jackson (quadriceps) are questionable.</p><p>Neither player has made much of an impact this season. Jennings began splitting time last week with Adam Snyder, and Jackson saw some of his playing time taken by Ashley Lelie. Neither move was injury-related, Nolan said.</p><p>Lelie was a free-agent acquisition who finally got extended playing time in the 49ers' 33-15 loss to the New York Giants. Lelie's first catch with the 49ers was a 47-yard gain down the left sideline.</p><p>"It helped his cause," Nolan said. "He did some of that in the preseason, too."</p><p>The 49ers probably wish they could rewind the first six weeks of the regular season and start over. The offense has been the worst in the league, but it showed some signs of life against the Giants.</p><p>Smith said he liked offensive coordinator Jim Hostler's game plan against the Giants. The 49ers' approach created some opportunities, even if the players did not come through.</p><p>"It seemed like there were a lot of plays left on the field," Smith said.</p><p>The 49ers had four costly turnovers against the Giants, each involving backup quarterback Trent Dilfer.</p><p>Dilfer and Gore misconnected on a handoff that resulted in a fumble for the first turnover. Dilfer also made two ill-advised throws for interceptions. His biggest blunder was taking the incorrect number of steps on a drop. Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora sacked Dilfer on the play and forced a fumble, which he returned 75 yards for a touchdown.</p><p>The 49ers (2-4) began last season with the same record. They eventually fell three games under .500, but rallied to pull even at 5-5 before finishing 7-9.</p><p>"The other day after the game, I did mention that we've been in this situation before and got back on the winning track," Nolan said. "But as far as saying it more than that, I have not. I don't want a repeat performance of last year, to be honest with you."</p><p>You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com.</p>