Niners’ quarterback Alex Smith performs non-contact drills

San Francisco, CA, United States (4E Sports) – San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith participated in Wednesday’s practice for the first time since suffering a concussion in last Sunday’s 24-24 tie against the St. Louis Rams.

Smith entered Wednesday’s practice session wearing a non-contact black jersey, throwing light passes and circling the field for a 20-minute light jogging.

The 49ers quarterback said he felt good as the post-concussion symptoms subsided.

“I feel good. Everything I’ve gone through, I’ve felt good,” Smith told Marin Independent Journal Wednesday.

However, Smith insisted that it remains in the hands of doctors if he’s going to play for Monday’s crucial game against the Chicago Bears.

“It’s not up to me. It’s up to the doctors and there’s a lot of stuff they’re looking at. At this point, it’s early,” said Smith.

Smith still needs to get clearance from doctors and participate in a simulated contact activity before heading into Monday night’s game against the Bears.

If Smith is unavailable, Colin Kaepernick could assume the starting role for the 49ers on Monday. Kaepernick stepped up in the absence of Smith last Sunday as he completed 9 of his 10 passes for 103 yards and pulled off an 11-play TD drive down the stretch.

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