It might be hard for 49ers defensive tackle Justin Smith to do any “ropin’ and ridin’” any time soon.
According to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, Smith has suffered a partially torn triceps. The injury, which happened two weeks ago against the Patriots and kept him out of last week’s loss to the Seahawks, has been listed as an “elbow” on the injury report.
Both are part of the arm.
According to Barrows, the injury appears to have happened in a similar manner to the one that ended Parys Haralson’s season.
Haralson also suffered a torn triceps, and was placed on injured reserve. After the Patriots game, 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh was asked if Smith’s injury was similar to Haralson’s and long-term.
“No, seems to be two different things,” Harbaugh said.
Smith and the 49ers are hoping he can tolerate pain enough to contribute in the playoffs. That makes this weekend’s game more important, as they could still earn a first-round bye with a win against the Cardinals and a loss by the Packers.