SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) - Jim Harbaugh expects Alex Smith to be medically cleared to play by Saturday.

Still, the 49ers coach did not announce Friday who will start at quarterback at New Orleans in two days.

Harbaugh says it serves no purpose to his team and organization to let anybody know what his plan at quarterback is for Sunday's game against the Saints.

Harbaugh also refutes reports earlier this week that he already has told Smith and Colin Kaepernick that Kaepernick will continue as the team's starter after making his first NFL start during Monday's rout of the Chicago Bears.

The coach indicates his stance on the quarterback situation is unlikely to change before the 49ers (7-2-1) meet the Saints (5-5) in a rematch of last year's NFC divisional playoff game won 36-32 by San Francisco.

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