Smith goes through NFL concussion protocol

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Programming note: Randy Moss: Hometown debuts tonight on SportsNet Central at 6 & 10:30 p.m., only on Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area! SANTA CLARA -- Quarterback Alex Smith spent Monday and Tuesday -- the 49ers' days off -- going through the NFL-mandated protocol in order to be cleared to return to football activity after sustaining a concussion on Sunday.

REWIND: Smith sustained concussion on Sneak
As part of the stricter policy the NFL adopted in 2009, Smith -- and all players who sustain reported concussions -- must received two clearances: from the team physician, as well as an independent neurologist.The policy reads:"Once removed for the duration of a practice or game, the player should not be considered for return-to-football activities until he is fully asymptomatic, both at rest and after exertion, has a normal neurological examination, normal neuropsychological testing, and has been cleared to return by both his team physician(s) and the independent neurological consultant."RELATED: Smith getting second opinion on head injury
The 49ers are scheduled to practice Wednesday at 2:15 p.m. It is unknown at this time what Smith's level of involvement will be in the 49ers' first day of on-field preparation before facing the Chicago Bears on Monday night.Earlier this month, 49ers owner Dr. John York, the chair of the NFL Owners Committee on Health and Safety, attended the Fourth International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport in Zurich, Switzerland.Dr. Daniel Garza, the 49ers' team medical director, attended the conference with Dr. York. Garcia is one of the leading authorities on concussions at Stanford Hospital.

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