Smith takes over starting QB role from Hill at 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Alex Smith will take over as San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback from Shaun Hill, head coach Mike Singletary told reporters on Monday.

The 49ers lost to the Houston Texans on Sunday despite a rally led by Smith, who replaced Hill at half-time.

The offense made just 50 yards in the first half with Hill at the helm but with Smith in charge they made 247 total yards with the quarterback throwing for 206 yards and three touchdowns.

Singletary said Smith would start against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday and hinted he could get a longer run in the role.

"As far as this upcoming week, in terms of quarterback, Alex Smith will be the quarterback," said Singletary. "As far as 'Will Shaun Hill be back?' and all this other stuff...we're not going to be a flavor of the month kind of team.

"I wanted to make the decision based on who gives us the best chance to win."

Smith, the first pick in the 2005 draft, missed last season with a shoulder injury and Hill took the starting role from J.T. O'Sullivan.

(Reporting by Simon Evans in Miami; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)