Niners quarterback Alex Smith is still saying he'd like to return to action Oct. 21 against the New York Giants after sustaining a separated right shoulder on Sunday against the Seahawks.
"That would be the goal," Smith said. "The bye week helps."
The swelling is going down in his right shoulder and the pain is subsiding, he said. He hopes next week he can begin throwing a tennis ball and then build up to throwing a football.
"I'd like to push it next week," Smith said.
The 49ers play the Ravens on Sunday. Trent Dilfer will get the start at quarterback. Next week, the 49ers are scheduled to practice Monday through Thursday before taking the weekend off because of the bye. When the 49ers come back, they will begin preparations for the Giants.
Smith said he does not plan to undergo surgery -- now or after the season. He spoke with Dr. James Andrews this morning. Andrews told him the everything looked good. Smith is still wearing a sling, but he hopes to be able to start moving it around, which will expedite the recovery process.
Smith said the ligaments were torn are not vital to the process of throwing. The ligaments generally scar over. As Smith spoke with reporters, there did not appear to be any obvious deformity in his shoulder.
Smith said his agent, Tom Condon, and 49ers athletic trainer, Jeff Ferguson, have good relationships with Dr. Andrews. That is why the MRI from Monday was sent to Dr. Andrews.
Smith said he does not believe he would require a cortisone injection in order to play, but he might need to take some "pain medication."
Yesterday, Smith's drive to work was a bit hectic, he said. He heard the reports on ESPN that he would require immediate season-ending surgery and he thought maybe he had yet to be informed of the news. The report turned out to be inaccurate.
Comments | Add Comment
Posted By: Mike in SF (05/10/2007 1:32:21 PM)
Comment: Let me get this straight. Alex is trying to rush back to play against the team that had TWELVE sacks last week. Um.... really?!
Posted By: Darshan (04/10/2007 6:07:22 PM)
Comment: Haha, the last paragraph is a little funny. Must be strange hearing something like that about yourself on the radio before the people around even tell you. I wonder what it feels like to hear a rumor about yourself being possibly traded or cut? Interesting stuff. Im glad Smith's ok. If Dilfer can manage the game effectively and the running game and defense are in order...we can win against the Ravens.
Posted By: yomomma (04/10/2007 4:35:06 PM)
Comment: GOOD NEWS ALL: heard JJ will not play on sunday. That keeps his ironman position safe! (never played a full year ever)
Posted By: Mckittrickreborn (04/10/2007 3:53:25 PM)
Comment: anybody read warhops statement about hwo the media is wrong about the first 3 games. ( he had to admit the last one stunk, we lost alex!) I guess we all saw the wrong game, all the sacks, the un picked up blitzes and inability to run etc...wasnt really there. Since he's coached some of the great Ol in Nfl history , the entire NFL is wrong,(duh we averaged less than 200 yrds a game)and the fans and the media. Guess you must be right cause Nolan believes you.( no one else does)
Posted By: Monster9ner (04/10/2007 3:25:26 PM)
Comment: The 49er faithful are pulling for you, Alex. Get well soon so we can fix this mess and move forward towards the playoffs! GO NINERS!!!!!
Posted By: Jason (04/10/2007 2:49:08 PM)
Comment: Props to Smith! One thing you can say about the kid is that he is one tough guy!!
Get well soon ALEX!
Posted By: John Niners (04/10/2007 2:21:18 PM)
Comment: Thanks Matt for giving us accurate and up to date 49ers news. I agree with you that being .500 will be more realistic. I think its best for Hostler to remain in the booth upstairs. This way, he will see the field much better and improve on his play calling.
As for the Offensive line coach, he sucks that's all. Why blame Allen, Jennings, they're veterans. We need better coaching that's all. I expect all our opponents will copy what Seattle did to us all season long in terms of passrushing etc. So, prepare for the worst, fellas.... peace.
Posted By: Jawn'tae in SD (04/10/2007 2:19:38 PM)
Comment: Im sure this weeks game vs. Balt will be a physical ball control defensive battle. Assuming the Ravens run blitz to stop Gore, would it not be sweet to have Dilfer throw more quick slants to DJack/Arnaz? Get the ball out of Dilfer's hands quickly(no 7 step drops) and have him attempt throws he can make...not 10-15 yard outs. What happened to the Niner Slant??
Posted By: Pat (04/10/2007 1:56:05 PM)
Comment: Hey Matt, is Vernon feeling left out? His injury didn't quite garner this much attention. Thanks for the update on Alex. How is Vernon's rehab coming along? Is he shooting for the Giants game?
Posted By: Robert (04/10/2007 1:48:30 PM)
Comment: This is definitely good news. Let's hope the players are writing off the season like some people have been saying. I'm stil hoping for an NFC West crown.
Posted By: Sam (04/10/2007 1:42:59 PM)
Comment: Matt, please read despite length, very thankful for your work. Now about the niners reaching .500 being an accomplishment, take a 2nd look at their schedule. If Trent starts the next 6 games (my personal opinion), we SHOULD go 3-3. Alex comes back with hopefully a jelled offensive unit and a fully productive vernon davis with road games against carolina and arizona (hopefully a split), vikings bengals bucs at home(2/3 very very likely) and a win in cleveland. I feel this is pretty worst-case also so tell me what you think. Also, I think you attacked a good area, regarding the deep drops Dilfer was taking but how about Gore getting 30 touches here with alex out, and more running out of the spread? Norris had a great year last year and has been essential to Gore's success but I feel like Gore is a little more comfortable with no FB. I know it's long but I think pretty accurate and I would really appreciate your feedback.
Response: I read it. All those questions will be answered in six weeks. --Matt M.
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