Mike Singletary is doing his best to avoid talk of a quarterback controversy, at least for another week. But that seems to be exactly the scenario in San Francisco.

The 49ers will start Troy Smith in place of the injured Alex Smith, a decision Brian Baldinger believes is the right one.

The Ravens signed Marc Bulger as an insurance policy to back up QB Joe Flacco — a sound investment strategy for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. But Flacco doesn’t seem happy about it.

Safety Ed Reed is rehabbing, but he might not be ready for the beginning of the season.

Are we looking at a monster bounce back season for Redskins TE Chris Cooley? New QB Donovan McNabb told reporters (via the Dallas Morning News) that he envisions going to his tight end a lot more this season.

Ravens QB Troy Smith is willing to do anything to play with the Browns, according to the Canton Repository.

Rumors swirled today that Ravens third-string QB John Beck had a broken collarbone and was headed for season-ending injured reserve, but team and league sources say that is incorrect.

The latest news from around the league, including notes on when Michael Vick and Cleo Lemon might sign.

Opinions on Michael Vick‘s future are varied, with some coaches and executives even suggesting the UFL as the best immediate option, though others are adamant that he’s worthy of a quarterback spot in the NFL if/when he is cleared to return by the league and rounds into shape.

Ravens QB Troy Smith showed his versatility on Tuesday by lining up at receiver during practice. The Ravens are were short on receivers with Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton, Demetrius Williams and Yamon Figurs all missing from practice. Figurs has been sidelined with a foot injury.

Both the Ravens and Bengals are both dealing with injuries heading into their Week 1 matchup.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Troy Smith has to be sick about being sick. Had Smith not contracted a tonsil infection over the past two weeks, he would have wound up starting Sunday’s opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. Now it is rookie first-round pick Joe Flacco starting instead.

Quarterback Kyle Boller was placed on injured reserve by the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday, officially ending his 2008 season. Boller injured his shoulder in Baltimore’s second preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings and has not played since.