49ers starting QB Hill strained back but will be ready for exhibition game

The San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Shaun Hill sprained his lower back during Tuesday’s practice. After receiving treatment, he returned to practice field Wednesday morning but left after just throwing one pass.

However, Hill said that he was fine and would be ready for this weekend’s exhibition game against the Dallas Cowboys. He left the practice because the team did not want to push him through practice.

Damon Huard and rookie Nate Davis alternated at quarterback after Hill left the practice.

Hill won the starting job this week over Alex Smith after a tight battle for the starting role throughout the first three weeks of training camp. Smith started last week’s preseason game against the Oakland Raiders and injured his thumb. He had been out of practice since then and will not be available for playing against the Cowboys this Saturday.