Before Justin Smith is able to ride or rope, he’s going to have to get back in the saddle.
According to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com, the 49ers defensive tackle was held out of practice Wednesday, after missing most of the second half of Sunday’s game with the Patriots with a left elbow injury.
Coach Jim Harbaugh said earlier this week he was optimistic to player known as “Cowboy” would be able to play.
Asked for an update Wednesday, Harbaugh said: “We’ll see. We’ll see how he feels today and tomorrow.”
Smith has a streak of 185 straight starts, missing only one game in his 12-year career. The 49ers defense was noticeably different without him Sunday, as his ability to tie up blockers helps their pass-rush. That’s just as important against the Seahawks, even though Russell Wilson’s a slightly more mobile target than Tom Brady.