SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Alex Smith is supportive of Colin Kaepernick's success, even if the second-year pro takes Smith's starting job as 49ers quarterback.
Smith plans to fight for his job once he is fully healthy — and he had yet to be medically cleared Wednesday. Yet coach Jim Harbaugh said that once Smith is available, the starting QB for the NFC West-leading Niners (7-2-1) could change week to week, and even during the course of a game. Harbaugh gave no indication when he would select his No. 1 for Sunday's game at New Orleans (5-5).
Harbaugh underwent a follow-up for his irregular heartbeat Tuesday and said "believe we've got that one licked." He has quit chewing tobacco and given up the four or five Diet Cokes he was drinking daily.
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