The 49ers signed former Steelers tackle Marvel Smith to an incentive-laden two-year deal, hoping that he could overcome his back injuries and provide the team depth on the offensive line.
Instead, Smith has struggled in practice, and it appears he may headed for retirement.
Via Twitter, Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat says Smith was excused from Saturday’s preseason game for “personal reasons” and there’s a “strong chance” he’s going to retire.
Earlier in camp, coach Mike Singletary announced that Adam Snyder would start over Smith at right tackle. (Snyder will miss Saturday’s game with a knee injury.)
Smith underwent back surgery in the offseason and there were serious questions whether he’d ever be “100%" again. He played nine years in Pittsburgh, making one Pro Bowl.