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Alex Smith getting second opinion on his head injury

St Louis Rams v San Francisco 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers gets hit by linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar #52 of the St. Louis Rams during a run in the first quarter on November 11, 2012 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

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49ers Alex Smith suffered a concussion on Sunday. And while it’s unclear whether he’ll be cleared by an independent neurologist to return to action on Monday night against the Bears, a league source tells PFT that Smith is seeking a second opinion.

It’s unclear what impact, if any, a second opinion would have on the assessment of an independent neurologist. Given the somewhat subjective nature of the ultimate assessment of a guy’s symptoms, however, a second opinion that points toward a mild concussion or no concussion at all could influence the independent neurologist’s assessments.

Smith has every reason to try to get back on the field. If Smith doesn’t play and if Colin Kaepernick plays well on a national stage, Alex Smith could be the sports world’s next Wally Pipp.