"Quarterback Alex Smith of the 49ers finished third in voting for NFL Comeback Player of the Year, the Associated Press announced Saturday.

Detroit Lions quarterback won the award with 21 votes among the 50 cast by NFL media members. Cleveland linebacker D'Qwell Jackson was second with 15.

Smith, whose comeback season included 17 touchdown passes and only five interceptions, finished ahead Carolina receiver Steve Smith, Denver defensive end Elvis Dumervil, New England defensive end Andre Carter and Giants quarterback Eli Manning."