Lee Siegel
CSNBayArea.com
Here's a thought based on some hypotheticals that don't seem so hypothetical. Considering the Cardinals could be the worst team in the league, it's not too much of a stretch to assume the 49ers could be up big at some point, most likely by the start of the 4th quarter. The question then becomes, what happens at the quarterback position?
Does Jim Harbaugh leave Colin Kaepernick in to get more experience and risk injury in what at that point is garbage time against a frustrated opponent? Does he bring in Alex Smith to get some reps in case Colin gets hurt in the playoffs? What if defense and special teams have set up most of the scoring and Colin looks inconsistent? Any chance in garbage time he plays Scott Tolzien to avoid any Alex questions or issues? (I doubt that).
Guessing we won't get anything close to an answer from Coach before Sunday and not sure anyone would ask the question. If they did, assume the answer would be typical coach speak and refer to concentrating on winning the game and not worrying about scenarios that may or may not happen.
Harbaugh has been resolute in sticking with Colin. Against this Cardinals team odds are seemingly in Kaepernick's favor to have a good day no matter how long he plays. It should be interesting to see what happens late if it's not a close game...the return of Alex...or not? 49ers fans hope the problem of having a big lead (and the Packers losing) happens and this situation plays out. Guess we will have to wait until Sunday to see.
Lee Siegel is the assistant news director for CSN Bay Area
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.