49ers vs. Saints: Alex Smith not cleared, no decision on starting QB

There appears to be no definitive word on whether the San Francisco 49ers will be starting Colin Kaepernick this weekend. Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reports that 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman has made it clear no decision has been made on who will start this Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Roman also says quarterback Alex Smith hasn't been been medically cleared either.

Roman seemed to contradict two reports that have been circulated. Sports Illustrated reported that Kaepernick would start Sunday regardless of Smith's concussion, and Ed Werder of ESPN reported that Smith had already been medically cleared. Both Smith and Kaepernick have been practicing and looking sharp, although only Kaepernick has been cleared for contact reps.

Smith is struggling to return from a concussion that he suffered two games ago against the St. Louis Rams. Kaepernick performed well in his first start on Monday Night Football, completing 16 of 23 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns in a 32-7 rout of Chicago.