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The San Francisco 49ers will be without starting quarterback Alex Smith when they take on the Chicago Bears on Monday, according to a tweet by ESPN's Chris Mortensen. Smith suffered a concussion last week against the St. Louis Rams, and despite practicing during the week was unable to get clearance from a neurologist to play. Colin Kaepernick will get his first career start.
Kaepernick took over for Smith in the second quarter last week, and went 11-for-17 for 117 yards. He also rushed for 66 yards and a touchdown. However, his task will be much more difficult this week, as he'll face a Bears team that ranks second in the NFL in scoring defense. The 49ers have the top-ranked scoring defense.
The Bears will also be starting their backup on Monday night. Jason Campbell will get the start after Jay Cutler suffered a concussion against the Houston Texans last weekend. Campbell came on in relief for Cutler against Houston, and went 11-for-19 for 94 yards.