NFL.com reports that “San Francisco coach Mike Nolan made it clear on Wednesday that there will be an open competition for the team’s starting quarterback position in training camp and the preseason between Smith and Shaun Hill, who was given a three-year contract in early February after leading the 49ers to consecutive late-season victories in 2007 over Cincinnati and Tampa Bay.” Full article here.

Monster Take: This situation has changed significantly from last off season to this off season. Optimism abounded leading up to the 2007 season that Smith had turned the corner and would have a breakout season. Those expectations never materialized and now he is fighting to regain his starting position. This is a situation to avoid going into fantasy drafts in 2008.