49ers' Pickett to start again

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- Quarterback Cody Pickett will make his second straight start for the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at Chicago.
Pickett, the club's fourth-stringer just last month, made his first NFL start in last week's 24-6 loss to the New York Giants. Pickett went 12-for-21 for 102 yards and one interception, and the 49ers' offense managed just 138 yards.
Coach Mike Nolan still decided to stick with Pickett, the former University of Washington star who spent most practices this fall with the scout team and the special-teams units until Tim Rattay was traded to Tampa Bay three weeks ago.
Ken Dorsey, the starter in a win over the Buccaneers on Oct. 30, sprained his ankle late in that game. Alex Smith, the No. 1 overall draft pick, is expected to miss his third straight game with two strained ligaments in his knee.
"I thought he played well last week and showed that he has the ability to make plays," Nolan said of Pickett. "Ken Dorsey's ankle is still not 100 percent, and Alex Smith is still recovering from his knee injury. As I said from the beginning, I feel all of our quarterbacks are capable of starting in this league."
Jennings has surgery
Left tackle Jonas Jennings will miss the rest of the season after surgery on his right shoulder.
Jennings, who got a seven-year, $36 million contract as the 49ers' biggest offseason free-agent signing, played just three games before being sidelined by a torn labrum. He also missed most of an early loss at Philadelphia after taking a blow to the throat.
He sat out San Francisco's last five games in an attempt to heal his shoulder, but surgery Tuesday revealed too much damage.
Anthony Clement has struggled as Jennings' replacement, but is expected to start again Sunday when the 49ers visit Chicago. San Francisco (2-6) has lost six of seven games.