San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary announced on Monday that Alex Smith will remain the team's starting quarterback.

Smith was nearly benched during the fourth quarter of last night's 27-24 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. NBC cameras showed Singletary and Smith embroiled in a heated conversation after a Smith fumble was returned for a touchdown.

Smith's return to the field was a surprise, and the sixth-year quarterback led two touchdown drives to give the 49ers a chance at the end of the game. Singletary said that how Smith responded last night played a part in his decision to stay with him as the starter.

On the season, Smith has completed 118-of-190 pass attempts (62.1%) for 1,229 yards and six touchdowns. Smith also has an NFL-high 9 interceptions, and has a 71.6 passer rating.

The 49ers host the Oakland Raiders, who'll bring All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and a 10th-ranked pass defense across the bay on Sunday.