Thu Nov 15 16:19:32 2007

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Niners tab Dilfer starting QB against Rams

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Santa Clara, CA (Sports Network) - The San Francisco 49ers announced Thursday that quarterback Trent Dilfer will start Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams in place of starter Alex Smith.

Smith, who missed time earlier this season after suffering a separated shoulder in the first game of the season, said Wednesday he is not 100 percent recovered from the setback.

With Smith out, Dilfer was behind center for the Niners in three games and threw for 463 yards with three touchdowns and five interceptions.

Despite his banged up shoulder, Smith has started seven games this season but has struggled. The former first-overall pick has thrown for 914 yards with just two touchdowns and four interceptions. Smith's quarterback rating for the year is 57.2.