SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Shaun Hill has won the 49ers’ latest quarterback derby, outlasting 2005 No. 1 overall draft pick Alex Smith in a decision coach Mike Singletary announced Monday.

“I like (Hill’s) consistency, he has a commanding presence about him when he gets in the huddle, guys have learned to rally around him and his leadership,” Singletary said before Monday’s practice.
Singletary gave Hill the news Sunday, a day after Smith struggled — at least statistically — in his lone start of the exhibition season. The quarterbacks had a sit-down together with Singletary in his office Monday morning for a pep talk, and the coach later informed the team of his decision during a 10-minute, post-practice chat.
“They were surprised. No one knew who the starting quarterback would be,” tight end Vernon Davis said. “Now we found our starting quarterback, so it makes things a lot easier. Everyone was ’OK,’ and started clapping.”
The 49ers went 5-3 over the second half of last season once Hill was inserted into the starting role by Singletary, then the interim coach.
Hill was a backup his first four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings before assuming that role with the 49ers in 2006 and 2007. He was No. 3 on the depth chart this time last year, and on Monday, he marveled at his path to one of the NFL’s most hallowed positions.
“It’s been quite a ride,” Hill said. “I almost made it a whole six seasons without taking a snap in the league. Now here I am with the opportunity to start for one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, a franchise that’s had great quarterbacks throughout its history.
“I’m very honored to have this opportunity.”
As for what this does to his close friendship with Smith, Hill is relieved nothing has changed.
“It was nice that it wasn’t awkward today,” Hill said. “He was helpful to me on the practice field.”
Smith, however, wasn’t practicing. He is nursing a sprained right thumb and is unlikely to play in Saturday’s exhibition game at Dallas, where Hill will work most of the first half. Smith’s thumb is in a splint, and he should be available for the Sept. 13 regular-season opener at Arizona, albeit off the bench.
How did Smith take the bad news?
“It’s nothing you like to hear. You never get used to hearing it. It’s not fun,” Smith said. “At the same time, my mind-set can’t change. I have to continue to improve and I’ve got to be ready.”
His career already derailed by a 2007 shoulder injury and constant coaching changes, Smith refused to deploy any excuses in losing this year’s quarterback competition. Nor is he second-guessing himself about anything he could have done better.
“I’m not looking back. It’s not like something has ended,” Smith said. “I’m not taking that mind-set. I’m still playing quarterback and going out there getting better. I’m going to continue to develop, learn this offense and work hard. It’s not like I’m on vacation now.”
Smith was praised repeatedly by Singletary for his ability to overcome so many hurdles in his 49ers career.
“I still think Alex Smith can be a great quarterback,” Singletary said.
As for whether rookie Nate Davis or 13-year veteran Damon Huard will win the No. 3 job, Singletary said: “I have no idea right now. I’m just thankful we got this far.”
Singletary told offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye and quarterbacks coach Mike Johnson last week to really focus on both quarterbacks’ nuances in anticipation of this decision.
“I can’t stop and smell the roses,” Hill said. “We’ve got a lot of work to do.”
—X-rays on right tackle Adam Snyder’s right ankle were negative. He won’t play Sunday but is expected to start in the regular-season opener, Singletary said.
—Defensive end Ray McDonald came off the physically-unable-to-perform list and practiced.
Other injured players returning to practice were linebackers Patrick Willis (ankle) and Parys Haralson (foot), safety Michael Lewis (concussion) and cornerback Tarell Brown (toe).
—Wide receiver Arnaz Battle (tight hamstring) did not practice and is day-to-day.
—Right guard David Baas (foot) did some conditioning under trainers’ supervision.