According to Matt Barrows, Justin Smith partially tore his left triceps against the New England Patriots and he will require surgery in the offseason.
The 49ers are hoping Smith will be able to play through the injury in the playoffs. I don’t believe they would risk him this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals.
What do you think the 49ers chances in the playoffs are without Justin Smith?
Update: Justin Smith has a partially torn triceps tendon, not muscle, according to Matt Maiocco. There is a bone spur in Smith’s left elbow which has caused the tear. The 49ers hope Smith can regain strength in his left arm for the playoffs.
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Without Justin Smith you neutralize Aldon Smith. Niners will be 2 and done.
According to MM from Comcast, Justin Smith does not have a torn tendon, it is a bone spur that detached from his tendon, which is a better prognosis.
http://www.csnbayarea.com/blog/matt-maiocco/smiths-possible-return-tied-regaining-strength
What MM said was that Justin has both a partial tendon tear AND a bone spur that broke free and will need to be removed by surgery in the off season. The tendon tear will heal without surgery.
They can beat the cards but Aldon wont break the sack record..However I do believe Crabs will break 1000 yards…Nice to see the drought end..
Even if Smith plays he probably won’t be close to what he was before the injury, in addition with a inconsistent offensive coordinator, who should know by now that we need to establish the run but will pass the ball against the Hawks, for the first 7 plays, and will limit Gore runs is pretty dumb, missing Manningham, Ginn has lost all confidence in returning punts, a bad field goal kicker, it looks grim, however if some of the other players step up, we can still win it all, but this is what adversity is all about
They are an average defense without JS , he makes everyone else better, no chance in playoffs without him
NY,
I absolutely disagree. He is one player. He is important. However, there is too much talent on that defense for me or them to accept that. Just remember the two games we just played. The y were goj v to be the 2 most difficult games of the seaso . We split them. Losing Smith is big. It doesnt end our season.
Yeah, but we had JS for half the Pats game. The part we ‘won’.
Since he went out: 73 points in 6 quarters.
*Some* of that is tough opponents, Tom Brady, and a hot young Russel Wilson.
I am afraid that’s likely not ALL of it, though.
Grant
Any chance we might go to Barrows/Maiocco/Branch/Kawakami blogs any time soon and read: “According to Grant Cohn,” and then some sort of scoop?
Well the good news is it doesn’t affect the grabbing and pulling part of his game. It will affect pushing though but you can use your shoulders, forearm and elbows. I’m optimistic he will play in the playoffs. No that being said, Now it’s time to coach up. Think of his leverage arm and switch to the other side of the line with ray Mcdonald.
Remember the triceps is the “extender” muscle. Without the ability to punch out he won’t be able to keep the OL off of him. Its pretty debilitating in his line of work.
On another note; remember all the crowd at WR in camp? And now we’re short WRs going into the POs again. Sheesh.
We should have kept Owusu or the other rookie WR. But, lets hope AJ Jenkins steps up and plays like a 1st rounder.
Yeah Brotha, weird. Now we see why Ginn is such a huge liability, and why the Niners should be using a CB to return kicks and punts. Why isn’t Culliver in the mix? He ran a 4.36 just like Patrick Peterson. Also, Cox has experience in the return game.
If Ginn wasn’t wasting a WR slot, we could have kept Owusu or Tymns or Palmer on the 53, or drafted two WRs, not just one.
I hear you Brotha, but most of his run stopping and freeing up AS is about grabbing and pulling. Pushing is for pass rushing mainly and shedding blockers. I look for him two rush from a running position too.
Well, can’t argue too much. If they just tell him to go out there and get in the way he’ll cause some kind of a ruckus.
I bet Harbaugh is fuming over this leak. Now other teams will know exactly how to attack his injury, where to gain leverage, etc…
Have you ever tried to attack a triceps? Everyone he plays against would know immediately that his left arm is weak. What’s to hide? The guy to his left would be getting away with no trouble.
Without Justin Smith, the 49ers offense just needs to step up and outscore the other team if needed. Oh wait – We have an inconsistent QB, a declining RB, and 3 play makers on injured reserve. At least we can count on the sure-fire leg of David Akers. Oh wait. hmmm – At least we can count on Greg Roman to come out passing the ball against great passing defenses that are vulnerable against the run….
Seriously though, how could GR forget what worked last time vs SEA? Runs and short dump off passes to the RB. Maybe the holes weren’t there this time for the RB passes, but still giving FG only 6 carries will not cut it in the playoffs.
Unless they can come up with a new way to put pressure on the quarterback and stop the run, they are in trouble. They could beat the Bears, but I don’t think they can expect to beat anyone else. First they have to find a way to beat Arizona.
Guys who have been underperforming need to step up their game big time,couple of guys having down years soap , PW , AB and especially Carlos Rodgers need to start bringing it. Having a hard time understanding why Rodgers was re signed for that kind of money he is awful a major liability
Not to toot my own horn, but I mentioned Harbaugh was pulling a “Haralson” by minimizing what could be a season ending injury. If this was the French revolution, Jim Harbaugh would be saying Marie Antoinette was “working though some neck pain… might be available for Sunday.”
49ers chances without injured backup pass rushers Haralson, the two rookies and Dobbs? Risky. Going to be a challenge.
49ers chances without injured Bears game stars Williams, Hunter and Manningham? Uh Oh!
49ers chances without Justin Smith? Feeling sick. Can we change the subject to the 2013 draft.
For what it’s worth, I also thrilled when Chilo Rachal and Glen Coffee were drafted.
Haha. I liked Coffee, wasn’t sure about Rachal. But I also liked the Kwame pick and even Mays at #2. I’m a genius! Yeah, I thought Stokes would be good too; sigh.
One I was suspicious about all along was trading back and then taking Rashaun at WR. Boy he stunk it up.
I also like Balmer. I give myself credit for spotting “strong armed” Drukenmiller’s slow release in preseason, predicting catastrophe right off the bat.
Not to toot my horn either, but I posted the injury report at 10:22 this morning…..if JH is pissed, so be it…
Draft a defensive end and defensive tackle in first 2 rounds. We have a lot of picks in 2013 draft. Now is the time to find out if we have any pass rushers sitting on that bench. Vic Fangio needs to rotate guys in and out until we find one. Sopoaga RJF and Ray Mcdonald aren’t getting sacks for us especially against mobile qbs. Let’s see what Ian williams Cam Johnson Clark Haggans and whoever else is on that bench can do. Arizona is a perfect matchup to get some sacks and build some confidence in the new guys. We should of done this from the start of the season but they love to play guys every snap and don’t like to bring in fresh pass rushers. It has caught up to them as you can see the team is wearing down.
Losing 3 OLBs before the regular season was a slam.
Yup, draft for defense. We have two (and possibly three) third round picks, and a slew of late rounders. A great trading up situation. Who to draft depends on which free agents are resigned. Certainly a 3-4 DE or DT. An OLB depending on how the army of injured OLBs are recovering. Never pass on a good cover cornerback no matter what your needs are.
On offense an every down back that can catch passes would be ideal. The current (very good) crop of runners are too specialized. Their presence in the huddle telegraphs the play.
Draft a defensive end and defensive tackle in first 2 rounds. We have a lot of picks in 2013 draft. Now is the time to find out if we have any pass rushers sitting on that bench. Vic Fangio needs to rotate guys in and out and keep guys fresh. Let’s see what Ian williams Cam Johnson Clark Haggans and whoever else is on that bench can do. I think 49ers are the only team in nfl that doesn’t substitute fresh defensive lineman and pass rushers.
The 49ers have no chance in the playoffs, period, with or without any of the injured players. The 49ers, as a championship squad, have been done, forever, for almost 20 years.
What else do you see in your crystal ball O omniscient one? Or do your powers only relate to football?
Forever? This guy must be a Seahawks fan if he knows what forever means. Forever a doormat. Forever not a champion. Forever a cheating squad. Forever cheered on by the most pathetic fan base in all of sports.
Prime Time mocked Clemons’ wife’s cancer. Why are you still coming to this web site? Everyone on here hates what you stand for and your moronic posts get deleted every time they appear. Nobody wants you around.
Prime Time
You mocked Clem for his cancer posts about his wife. Everyone saw it, every one remembers it. That’s why you’re not wanted. Remember the reason. It’s pretty clear you’re lonely and friendless and now the only reason you come onto this web site is to antagonize Grant and certain posters who don’t want to be a Fluffer like you.
So, for the record, your existence on this web site is defined by the fact that you insulted a sick woman and by the characteristic hate of every comment you post. Laugh at that.
Prime, be a man, and demonstrate some dignity. This continuing tantrum is foolish and painful to watch. Your time here is done; go somewhere else and contribute something constructive.
Techie
I don’t know if you’re also Prime, but I do know that Prime was “Santa,” and “Prime/Santa” was responsible for that attack on Clem.
Prime Axel,
You don’t have a ounce of integrity or dignity, your like the second cousin twice removed that nobody likes or respects and you keep inviting yourself over and over. At least your older brother DS left, your done here son. Get a life, go for a walk, make some friends, get out of living in your Mommy’s basement, join the circus because your nothing but a clown.
Prime
Nobody can show you that post, because Grant erased it, like he has erased every one of your posts for the last 5 days. Are you that thick?
Nobody likes you. Beat it.
Without Smith the path to the Super Bowl is quite daunting. Gotta beat the Cards first and see where they sit heading into the playoffs.
Next man up. Same goes for AJ Jenkins.
Go 49ers!!!
So The Cowboy will be put out to pasture. Will the 49ers?
Evidence that everyone has had to adjust to the QB change late in the season. This is why our O stinks right now.
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/12/26/5077507/49ers-gore-says-hes-had-to-adjust.html?storylink=lingospot_related_articles
Hi!
Okay, so the 49ers knew this after the MRI going into the Seattle game and Tukuafu was coming off a concussion and is now walking around with a neck brace after that game. Ian Williams is the only backup DL on the 53. The only other DL the 49ers have is Jerod-Eddie on the PS, but the 49ers haven’t promoted him up yet – or found a FA vet? Yet, the 49ers keep Hampton non-active and on the 53 even though they still have Gore, LMJ and Dixon? I don’t get it because I thought they would bolster the DL when Dobbs went down – and now they are down three DL and still no moves?
But they did sign Divins to the PS – a 340lb NT. Still doesn’t make sense.
I’d guess they aren’t just trying to fill out the roster for this game and even the playoffs. This pickup looks like a nod to the (possible) future, I’m guessing. Of course if they promote him and dress him, then I’m all wet. Trent’s job is to keep both perspectives in mind.
Brotha, it’s just that you need some rotation on the DL, even if it is for just a couple of plays to give a breather, especially with the amount of plays the 49er DL has been on these past two games. Williams is an NT so he can just back up Sopoaga. And like I said, the only DT is Jerod-Eddie on the PS and now Divins who is another NT. Sopoaga can play DT, so I guess he could replace McDonald or RJF if it came to that if there was an injury, with an inexperienced Williams taking his spot as NT. I just wonder if it would be better to put Sopoaga back as strong-side DT, flip McDonald over to the other side and put RJF as the NT where I think he has more experience and is a better player. Just hard to believe there seems to be little urgency in bolstering the DL going into the playoffs – even if Justin makes it back for the first playoff game.
Well said Spaceborn. I agree with moving Soap to DT and RJF to NT.
You can’t replace a player of J.Smith magnitude. I only hope that there isn’t a big drop off in RJF.
But I still believe that we are SB worthy. The motivating factor for the team is still the ugly taste of last years loss in the championship game.
If J.S. is done for the year I also believe that the defense will be extra motivated to win out for him.
Spirit can only take you so far. Talent and spirit wins you superbowls. This would be a devastating loss. Bye week much needed!
You aw what happened on the first run of the game from Seattle. 25 yards to pay dirt running right at RJF. In fact he just stood there mesmerized after getting pushed aside to create the gaping hole.
RJF was blatantly held and the refs called nothing. Non-calls happened repeatedly all over the field. Ridiculous. The hit on VD was nice though!
Great question Grant. IMO there chances are slim to none. Unlike the offense that won’t see a very good defense again in the playoffs (Seattle will not be at home) the defense will see very good offenses. Atl, GB, wash, NE,…… Justin Smith is the anchor of this defense. P Willis is elite at his position and very important to the defense but J Smith’ absence is huge. Another reason why we need a bye week and I will be cheering for the Vikings like they were my own team. I’d still take a one armed Smith over RJF.
True RJF is a drop off at DE, but the refs were allowing Seattle to blatantly hold. RJF was practically tackled on that drive TD run. RJF filled in nicely at NT and will improve at DE this next game. No Justin, but certainly not a catastrophe.
I wonder if they could switch Aldon over to the left side more often behind McDonald if Smith can’t play. I think he’s more of a threat than RJF
they’ll be fine because he’ll come back & play through it. if you question that your crazy.. that dude wants a RING!
There is able to play, and there is able to play at his normal level of effectiveness.
This is not good news, not at all.
This years team just does’nt seem to have the edge that last years team possessed. It has’nt been a recent development, it started with the Minn game and continued every third game .To me it was most apparent in the amount and timing of the penalties that kept on, either killing good plays on O or keeping drives alive on D. This team has not played with consistent concentration on O, D or special teams. I’m not sure if the QB change has had a positive or negative impact on the teams concentration but the overall play on all sides of the ball has been wildly inconsistent.
A team that is focused can overcome injuries but i’m very worried about this years team being able to overcome the lack of discipline and focus. But then again i’ve been wrong before and i stand by my right to be wrong again.
+1 – edge, inconsistent, concentration, doesnt show up on the stat sheet but it is what has been missing on this years team. I first thought it was intensitity for the Niners woes, but your adjectives are better suited for the description of what I feel is lacking on the team.
I think teams make the superbowl every year without a defense. Unfortunately, that’s usually in the AFC.
All kidding aside, I think all this does it put more pressure on the offense to put up points. You’d love to see Frank Gore run and run in the playoffs, but the truth of the matter is his body just can’t hold up to the punishment.
Karma is a real thing it appears. Here’s where I see karma retribution.
Going back to March. Jim harbaugh goes after Peyton Manning after selling Sf’s commitment to Smith to anyone with an ear. Then, in the preseason, he pays a QB Josh Johnson 300k and then cuts him. Follow that performance up with sitting Smith for Kaepernick. (I actually think it’s been business as usual with either qb). He honked at the Seattle seahawks and antagonized them after a win (pure speculation). He suspends RB Brandon Jacob after not allowing him to take the field. (Who wouldn’t suspend him after the twitter comments?).
All of this has resulted in some historic injuries. Are the 2012 49ers better than the 2011 team? I don’t think so. I think instead the 2012 team is older and slower. They didn’t fix any of the problems they had in 2011. Instead they just added to the grocery list of problems.
Whose accountable for the lack of growth in 2012? Let’s start with the person making the decision on the shopping list. Trent Baalke. Then lets give Harbaugh the credit he deserves for not getting his team ready and keeping them disciplined. Followed very closely if not a down right tie by the lack of offensive production-Greg Roman.
I expect to see some changes at OC and special team coaches. I also expect to see some cuts to the secondary. We’ll be going after a big SEC pass rusher. We might also just sign ourselves a bigger name receiver. Is Reggie Bush coming to SF next season?
if we don’t take a DE from LSU, I like Dion Jordan out of Oregan. He reminds me of Aldon Smith but a lot taller.
Matt
All very interesting, but how do you figure Bush as a Niner. They’ve got Gore, Hunter, LaMike, and Boobie. Where does Bush fit in? Also, unless Brad Seely gets another gig elsewhere, why would the team change their special teams guy?
I don’t believe that Harbaugh did anything untoward to any player, including Smith. Without Harbaugh, it’s very likely that Smith wouldn’t have gotten anywhere near the 104.1 QB rating and 70% completions that are associated with him at the present time. If anything, Smith should keep Harbaugh at the top of his holiday card list for the rest of his life.
This is a business, and performance should always win out over misplaced loyalty. You want an example of misplaced loyalty, look no further than Rex Ryan’s stubborn refusal to stick with Sanchez. If anything, Harbaugh hasn’t been ruthless enough with this team. Akers and Rogers should both have been benched or cut weeks ago, and there are at least a few people on the team being paid to catch footballs who have been massively underproductive recently.
As for Roman, he doesn’t seem to have a killer instinct or even a plan that he can exercise under adversity. Whether that means he lacks vision cannot be known without a better understanding of how much freedom Harbaugh allows him. Just as plausible as Roman being ineffective is the idea that Harbaugh shackles Roman by tethering him to a Schembechleresque conservative ideology.
Whatever the case, this team was due for some injuries after their relatively healthy past two years. The fact that two tiny WRs suffered season enders shows that one thing is for sure, and that is that the team needs to invest in bigger, more durable wide receivers in the offseason.
J.Smith is a huge loss, but the is still very much intact from last year and young players like Aldon and Culliver have improved in their positions.
I’m hearing to much doom and gloom since last Sunday night’s loss. You would think that the Mayans had the 49ers in mind when they predicted the end last week.
This team is good enough to rise up from their recent loss and injuries.
I’m not throwing in the towel by any means. C’mon 49.er faithful, this is were we show our mettle.
Every position on the defense progressed from last year to this year except for Justin Smith, Isaac Soapoaga, and Carlos Rogers, who all started showing their age.
Draft needs: NT, DE, CB, WR
Why? Cuz the numbers ain’t on your computer screen? Watch the game! Look at the attention he draws. That’s what makes the linebackers shine. Have you seen any linebackers shine in his absence? That kind of stuff don’t show up on your screen.
It’s like when Tony Siragusa retired from the Ravens. Ray Lewis and co. struggled til they got a replacement! This ain’t fantasy football man! Try watching a game.
the *defense