San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said yesterday that
he expects defensive lineman Justin Smith, who’s recovering from a partially torn triceps, to play this weekend when the team takes on the Green Bay Packers
in the NFC Divisional playoffs, reports Steve Corkran of The Contra Costa
Times.
"God willing and the creek don't rise, he's going to play," Harbaugh said of Smith, who missed the final two regular-season games with a partially torn triceps tendon.
Smith sustained his injury during a Dec. 16 matchup against
the New England Patriots. While the partial triceps tear will require offseason
surgery, Smith vowed to return to play during the postseason.
Smith is participating at a full capacity at practice
instead of going no-contact leading up to this weekend’s game. He is and will
continue to wear a brace on his left arm in an effort to allow him to better
play through and protect his injury.
Smith will be a welcome return for the 49ers, who have
struggled defensively in his absence. The 12-year pro had 66 tackles and three
sacks this season for San Francisco.
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