49ers quarterbacks not about to rock the boat

SANTA CLARA — Coach Mike Nolan promised a fair competition for the starting quarterback job this summer. Whether that has occurred is open for interpretation, but Alex Smith said it is something he tries not to consider.

“I’m not getting into all that,” Smith said.

Smith began training camp in a two-way competition for the starting job with Shaun Hill. But Smith has not taken a snap with the first team, either in practice or in the first two exhibition games, since the 49ers’ joint practice with the Raiders on Aug. 4.

Meanwhile, J.T. O’Sullivan is scheduled to start his third consecutive exhibition game Thursday in Chicago, and Shaun Hill has been relegated to the third team.

Nolan has yet to announce a starter in the 49ers’ quarterback competition.

“I’ve got my reps (practice snaps) out here and (I’m) just trying to take advantage of them and trying to do what I can with them,” Smith said. “I’m not sure what they’re thinking or what is going on upstairs.

“It’s a short week. I’m getting ready to play Chicago.”

Smith is scheduled to enter the game in the second quarter. He is expected to give way to Hill in the fourth quarter.

O’Sullivan said he has also refused to get carried away with the quarterback competition and the ever-increasing prospect that he could be the starter for the 49ers’ regular-season opener on Sept. 7 against the Arizona Cardinals.

“I’m just worried about this week and I don’t really let myself feel anything about it,” O’Sullivan said.

“I think everyone wants to play, so I’m excited that I get the opportunity to get reps in practice and then translate those reps to the preseason games. So it’s exciting. It’s fun. But it’s my job to go out there and play well.”

Asked if he’ll be relieved when he finally names a starting quarterback, Nolan told the media, “Not as much as you guys.”

SNYDER IS OUT

Left guard Adam Snyder sustained a right ankle sprain Tuesday that is expected to keep him out of Thursday night’s exhibition game against the Bears, Nolan said. The extent of the injury will not be known until Snyder is re-evaluated. No time frame was given for his return.

This means both of the 49ers’ projected starting guards are out of action. Right guard David Baas has not practiced because of a torn pectoral tendon, which he sustained in April.

The 49ers have not decided who will replace Snyder in the starting lineup for Thursday’s game. Undrafted rookie Brian de la Puente has played left guard with the second team. Or the 49ers could insert rookie Chilo Rachal into the starting lineup at right guard and switch Tony Wragge to left guard.

You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com