Smith is expected to be named the backup quarterback after a preseason battle for the role with Cardale Jones, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports.
The 2013 second-round pick completed four of his six attempts for 16 yards in Thursday's 23-21 preseason win over the 49ers; hardly eye-popping totals, but the performance was evidently enough to solidify Smith's position as the No. 2 QB on the depth chart. Smith would be an intriguing fantasy option situated alongside a plethora of talented weapons such as Keenan Allen and Melvin Gordon, but given Philip Rivers has never missed a game since taking over as the starter 13 years ago, it's somewhat unlikely he'll get that opportunity in 2018.