First-half hit concussed Smith

Quarterback Alex Smith most likely sustained his reported concussion in the first half of Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys. Smith played every snap in the 49ers' 27-24 overtime loss.A film review of the game revealed that Smith was knocked to the ground 11 times. Only once was he seen showing any effects from a hit to the head, and that came after the first play of the second quarter.
The 49ers had a screen pass set up to the right side on the play. Smith faked a pass to the left side, but when he turned back to the right side, Cowboys outside linebacker Anthony Spencer (254 pounds) was already in his face. Spencer quickly got inside of tight end Vernon Davis before Davis released into the pattern.With Smith's momentum going backward, Spencer -- and blitzing cornerback Alan Ball -- drove Smith hard into the turf. Smith's right shoulder and head appeared to hit the ground hard for a 9-yard sack. When Smith got back to his feet, he was seen shaking his head, as if he was trying to clear his mind.Two plays later, Smith absorbed another big hit while completing a 14-yard pass to Ted Ginn Jr. Defensive end Jason Hatcher, a 305-pounder, came through between left tackle Joe Staley and left guard Mike Iupati, who occupied blocking other Dallas players. Hatcher hit Smith high has he was releasing the pass and his right hand might have hit Smith's head. No penalty was called on the play.Smith took another big hit with 7:41 remaining in the first half while completing a 10-yard pass to Josh Morgan. Linebacker Victor Butler, a 246-pounder working against right tackle Anthony Davis, delivered a hit to the chest of Smith, who was rolling right. Smith was knocked hard to the ground, landing on his right shoulder area.Although Smith was sacked four times and tackled twice after scrambling in the second half, he did not appear to sustain any additional hits to his head.