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But no matter how the suggestion of resting quarterback Matt Ryan over the last two games is made, Smith is certain to stick with his philosophy: Play the best players -- at least at the start of the game -- regardless of the team's 4-10 record.
"Again, our No. 1 goal is to win the football game," Smith reiterated Thursday. "And having Matt Ryan on the field. ... We haven't given up on this year.
"I know people sit here and say, 'Are they playing for draft rank?' I can assure you this: There's nobody that goes out and wants to lose a football game. You only get 16 opportunities to do it, and you put your best people out there on the field. And Matt is head and shoulders better than any quarterback that we have on this team."
But is he in danger?
According to ESPN Stats & Information, Ryan has been sacked or hit while throwing on 8.4 percent of his dropbacks. That's an increase from last season, when Ryan was hit or sacked on 6.8 percent of his dropbacks. Ryan has been sacked a career-high 34 times. His previous career high was 28, last season. Ryan said Thursday that he "feels good" despite the increased number of hits absorbed.
Heading into today's games, only Cleveland (152), Houston (144), New York Jets (142), Buffalo (138), Miami (136), Jacksonville (132), Indianapolis (128) Washington (126), Arizona (122) and Baltimore (119) had given up more combined sacks and quarterback hits.
McClure believes the Falcons just hope Ryan doesn't get banged-up long-term. With the 49ers and Carolina Panthers still playing for playoff positioning, the next two games potentially could get away from the Falcons.
In such a case, the team no doubt would opt to sit Ryan in favor of backup Dominique Davis. ...
Meanwhile, Roddy White had a slow start to the season due to injuries, but he’s had 23 catches for 270 yards over the past three games.
And Monday, he’ll return to the same stadium in which he compiled a career-high 210 receiving yards on eight catches in 2009.
Can White have another big game at Candlestick?
"Well, they have some more explosive players on their team now. That defense is fully loaded,’’ White said. "They’re a whole lot better. They’ve got a lot better just playing with each other. And, they didn’t have Aldon Smith (in ’09), and he makes a big difference out there, I’ll tell you that.’’
It's also worth noting that Steven Jackson, who had two rushing touchdowns against the Redskins, has scored five rushing touchdowns over the past five games.
He's rushed 128 times for 449 yards after missing four games earlier season with a severe hamstring injury. The veteran could be in for a long day going up against the Niners' imposing run defense, however.