Report: 49ers' Justin Smith Out For Rest of Regular Season

49ers DT Justin Smith will not only miss Sunday night's game against the Seahawks, but he will also miss the 49ers' final regular season game against the Cardinals, as well.

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Smith will be out the rest of the regular season and hopes to be ready for the 49ers' first playoff game.

SF DE Justin Smith will not play tonight vs. Seattle due to elbow injury, 49ers hoping he will be recovered enough to return for postseason.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 23, 2012

Back-up DT Ricky Jean Francois, who had added a sack last week in Smith's absence, will be called upon to fill the hole left by Smith this week against the upstart Seahawks.

With a win, the 49ers can clinch the NFC West, as well as provide a huge boost towards their chances of landing the No. 2 seed in the NFC and a first round bye in the playoffs.