The rumors have come to fruition: Chris Weinke is going to be your starting quarterback this week, 49ers fans. Turns out those back spasms that have been plaguing third-stringer-turned-savior Shaun Hill aren't just back spasms, they're a symptom of fractured vertebrae.In this meaningless final game, I suppose it doesn't matter much who starts at quarterback. The most impact Weinke might have this weekend is for the Patriots; another loss for the 49ers would push the Patriots' first-round pick (formerly belonging to San Francisco) higher.
Hill's injury doesn't even affect his status for next year -- the 49ers have seen enough to know that they want to sign him to an extension before he becomes a free agent in March. Alex Smith's contract is palatable aside from a hefty buy-back bonus that the 49ers might not want to exercise, meaning Hill could be entering a quarterback controversy in August as the legitimate favorite.
