Now, it's Alex Smith's turn.
A week after Shaun Hill started the 49ers' exhibition opener, Smith gets the nod for Saturday night's game against the Raiders.
It's coach Mike Singletary's way of keeping things fair in the quarterback competition, but things won't remain even for much longer. With Hill and Smith getting one start apiece, Singletary could use the Aug. 29 game at Dallas as a tie-breaker if necessary.
After Friday's practice, Singletary acknowledged that the answer to his quarterback question must be settled soon.
"It is not like one is running away with it or anything like that," he said of Hill and Smith. "It is just one of those things where you get to a point and you have to make a decision and go with your gut."
Last week against Denver, Hill was 2-for-2 for 41 yards. Smith was 5-for-7 for 33 yards and a 3-yard touchdown pass to Brit Miller.
Against the Raiders at Candlestick, each quarterback is expected to get at least 15 snaps. Singletary said that he would keep his first-string offensive line in the game long enough to protect Hill, too.
Unofficially, Smith trails in the quarterback derby. Hill played well as starter last season and has been accurate and efficient in training camp.
Saturday's game represents Smith's last and best hope of making an impression. What does he want to accomplish?
"Besides playing well?" Smith said. "I think that's it. Execute the offense. Be smart with the football. Make good decisions. That's the biggest thing."
Though it's a preseason game, this is Smith's most meaningful start since Nov. 12, 2007, when he suffered a shoulder injury against the Seattle Seahawks.
Smith, 25, started the final exhibition game last season. But by that time the quarterback job had been officially given to J.T. O'Sullivan.
Now, Smith said he feels further along in learning the offensive system than at any time in recent memory. He's healthy again, too.
"My shoulder feels awesome," he said. "I feel really good about that, and to not have to be worrying about that anymore has "" knock on wood "" been great."
—Running back Frank Gore and receiver Isaac Bruce might make only cameos against the Raiders. Singletary said that Gore would play one series and expected him to be on the field for about six plays.
Gore did not play in the exhibition opener, either. He has looked so crisp in practice that the 49ers see no need to expose him to an injury risk.
—Now that No. 11 draft pick Aaron Maybin signed a five-year deal with $15 million in guarantees from the Buffalo Bills, there are only two first-rounders left unsigned. They are the Cincinnati Bengals' Andre Smith (No. 6) and the 49ers' Michael Crabtree (No. 10).
"It doesn't bother me today anymore than it did the first day," Singletary said. "He has to make up his mind, he and his agent. For us, we are going to continue to do what we do."
—Recently signed cornerback Eric Green will not play against the Raiders but expects to be ready for Dallas. The fifth-year veteran was waived by Miami on Wednesday and the 49ers reacted quickly. Singletary said Green is in camp to compete for a job.
Green is just happy to be back in the NFC West, where he is familiar with Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin after spending four years with the Arizona Cardinals.
"Practicing against two of the best every day for four years?" he said. "That has to help a little bit."
—Linebacker Patrick Willis (ankle) will remain sidelined. The two-time Pro Bowl selection turned his ankle during the so-called nutcracker drill early in training camp. He is easing back into action but isn't ready for game duty.
—Linebacker Parys Haralson (foot) will also be out. Ahmad Brooks will start in his place. Singletary said Haralson would be fine for the regular season.