49ers notes: Smith, Hill share media cooperation award

<p>SANTA CLARA — Quarterback Alex Smith has the opportunity Sunday against the St. Louis Rams to remove all doubt, 49ers coach Mike Singletary said.</p><p>Smith looks to be the prohibitive favorite to be the 49ers’ starting quarterback in 2010, but Singletary on Wednesday stopped just short of guaranteeing him the job for next season.</p><p>“It’s just going to be a matter of him continuing to mature and at some point in time, hopefully it’s this Sunday, he’s going to know, and everybody else will know, that he’s the guy that can take us where we need to go,” Singletary said.</p><p>“He has done enough for me at this point to say that, going forward, I don’t see why I would doubt it.”</p><p>It has been a long ordeal for Smith, who lost the offseason quarterback competition to Shaun Hill. Smith was elevated to the starting lineup at halftime of the 49ers’ Oct.25 game against the Houston Texans with the 49ers trailing 21-0.</p><p>The quarterback competition was the big storyline for more than 10 months. Hill and Smith answered innumerable questions from the media during that time without showing signs of cracking.</p><p>The San Francisco Chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America showed its appreciation to the players on Wednesday. Hill and Smith were named co-winners of the Garry Niver Award, which is presented annually to the 49ers player who best exemplified cooperation and professionalism in dealing with the media.</p><p>“I think it has been nothing short of spectacular the way two men who are extremely competitive handled the situation,” Singletary said.</p><p>“It was not easy. It’s never been easy. It never is when you are the point guy and knowing that you are great friends, as well. That has been tough — difficult. But it shows the class of both of them.”</p><p>Smith and Hill have maintained their strong friendship. When informed they won the award, Smith quipped, “You mean I have to share it with him?”</p><p>EXTRA POINTS</p><p>Linebacker Patrick Willis, tight end Vernon Davis and punter Andy Lee were named to the Pro Bowl team. Running back Frank Gore, defensive lineman Justin Smith and special-teamer Michael Robinson were named as alternates.</p><p>But Singletary said there was one additional player he wanted to see honored.</p><p>“I’m a little bit disappointed that (nose tackle) Aubrayo Franklin was not named in some capacity to the team,” Singletary said. “But I understand it. He’s right there in the middle of it all in the trenches, and sometimes it’s hard to see and appreciate the work that those guys do. Hopefully, next year.”</p><p>Franklin is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent. The 49ers plan to place the franchise tag on Franklin, sources say.</p><p>Kicker Joe Nedney (hamstring) and cornerback Nate Clements (shoulder) will not play in Sunday’s game. Left tackle Joe Staley (knee) did not practice Wednesday and is listed as day-to-day.</p><p>Guard Chilo Rachal (knee) and backup quarterback Shaun Hill (back) saw limited practice. Running back Glen Coffee (thigh) had a full practice and is likely to return to action for Sunday’s game.</p><p>For more on the 49ers, go to Instant 49ers at blog.pressdemocrat.com/49ers. You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at matt.maiocco@press</p><p>democrat.com.</p>