SANTA CLARA – Justin Smith practiced Thursday for the first time since he tore his left triceps tendon in New England on December 16th.
He spoke at his locker after practice, and this is what he said.
Q: How did your injured elbow feel in practice today?
JUSTIN SMITH: We didn’t really do nothing, so it felt alright.
Q: Do you think the bye week will help you play in the playoffs?
JUSTIN SMITH: It couldn’t hurt any. It is what it is. We’ll see how it is and go from there.
Q: Did you have to make any adjustments?
JUSTIN SMITH: It felt good for today. We’ll go out there and see what happens.
Q: Are you worried about reinjuring it?
JUSTIN SMITH: We really haven’t played or done anything yet. Hopefully they run right at me and we find out quick.
Q: What’s it been like being on the sideline watching these games?
JUSTIN SMITH: It is what it is. You go from there. If I’m fortunate enough, I’ll get to play in this one. We’ll see what happens.
Q: Is it more a matter of strength or pain?
JUSTIN SMITH: I think it’s just a matter of getting out there and going. You just go out there and play until you can’t and be ready. I feel like I’ll be ready.
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Man, this truly is a double edge sword. I really want him to play but I don’t want him to make the injury any worse to where he’s a liability next year.
I don’t know, maybe if he hurts it again during the super bowl game and we go on to win perhaps it’s worth it.
If the 49ers are fortunate, The Cowboy will ride again and be able to be effective enough throughout the game without the tear ripping further. He’ll have to defend that injury and incorporate that into his game.
I believe the word of the day is “laconic”.
I’m sure if he thinks he’s he can’t contribute to the team, he’ll take himself out
He’ll surprise a lot of people. We’re lucky it’s his left arm and not right. His right arm is his stronger one and his outside arm. If anything, he’ll set the edge outside and funnel the running backs inside. As far as pass rushing, he will not be able to push off and shed lineman so easily. He will be able to grab though.
The left guard or center will try to go after his left arm from the first snap.
It doesn’t hurt to get punched in it. It hurts to push and try to extended the arm. He wouldn’t be able to do tricep extensions or bench presses.
Wonder what is more painful to the Cowboy, the triceps tear or this barrage of inane questions.
Man, you said it! 15 seconds I’ll never get back. :)
Call me a pessimist (after all i do root for the sox) but Cowboy doesn’t sound too sure of his ability to play. He doesnt really offer a concrete “yeah il be there” like we heard earlier in the week. Now it could be that he knows his status and doesnt want to tip anybody off. Or maybe its just that he really doesnt know and wont find out until the game is actually going on and he is trying to play.
Im not as concerned as some on here about him not being available next year if he reagravates the injury. We will have ample time and resources to try to fill that void if it should come to that. Its a long season but you ultimately play for the playoffs
I’ll take a 1 Arm Cowboy possibly than not having him at all. And he should give his Defense an Emotional Boost come next next Saturday.
He answers questions just like Harbaugh. Must be catching. I think they would be happy to just say yes and no.
Grant,
Justin left the game against the Pats on Dec 16th, not 23rd.
Not really a big deal otherwise except that it means Justin will have had 4 weeks (1 Month) of rest until the 1st playoff game, if he plays.
1 bad arm but 2 very fresh legs!
Most Valuable Offensive Player: Allin Smithernick
thought that was pretty funny. http://www.csnbayarea.com/blog/matt-maiocco/tough-call-49ers-team-awards
Two orthopedic surgeons said nearly every question about Smith’s injury depends on how much of the tendon is torn, something the 49ers haven’t divulged. If it’s a high-grade tear – more than 50 percent torn – Smith wouldn’t be close to full strength. There’s a chance that even a small tear could rip completely, which would make his arm useless.
This is why I am relunctant to play him in this game. Sure his presense on the field would inspire the players, but what happens when he leaves and does not return? It is a 12 week recovery for a small tear. He’s had 27 days? Let him heal until the Championship Game. The 49ers should be able to take there game to another level on defense for one playoff game. This would also give them confidence.
Good read Razor.
From what I’ve heard JS has a partial tear. If the injury is more severe than originally reported, then we can’t expect too much from JS.
Ray Lewis had a complete triceps tendon tear and has been out for a significant amount of time.
At this point, I would much rather have JS wait until the Championship game, but every game it this stage could be the last so understand his desire to play next week.
I agree AES. Hold out Smith til the championship game. The reason i believe that is if you lose him early next weekend will it be a demoralizing blow and the defense wont pick it up like they did against NE.
Another game and being able to win it without him might give the team more confidence and it allows him to heal that much longer.
*at* this stage