49ers: Vernon Davis Expected to Play, Justin Smith Running the Risk

Justin Smith will not be seeing the field until at least the playoffs, as he was listed as doubtful to play in Sunday's regular season finale against the Arizona Cardinals. However, Vernon Davis, who sustained a concussion on a hit by the Seahawks' Kam Chancellor last week, is "on course" to start.


The 49ers are injury-ridden and in desperate need of healthy bodies on the field if they want to continue with their Super Bowl aspirations.

In the past four weeks, Kyle Williams, Kendall Hunter, Mario Manningham and Justin Smith have all had their seasons end due to injury. The 49ers have gone 2-2 in that span of games, and now must win the final game of the season to secure the NFC West title. They must also get some help from the Vikings, who need to beat the Packers in order for the 49ers to have a shot at the No. 2 seed in the NFC, as well as the coveted first round bye.

Davis' news is good, as the concussion's impact does not appear too serious, but Smith's injury (partially torn triceps tendon) may be far worse than many first imagined.  It would appear to be up in the air as to if he will be able to play at all in the playoffs.

Here is the situation the 49ers have found themselves in with Smith's injury, per CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco.

Defensive tackle Justin Smith remains out -- officially listed as "doubtful" -- with a partially torn triceps tendon in his left arm. Smith runs the risk of causing more damage to his arm if he tries to return for the playoffs, Harbaugh confirmed. 

"Yes, I think there's a higher risk," Harbaugh said. "It's something he'll have to have repaired, surgically repaired, at the end of the season either way." 

With Smith out for Sunday's game and defensive tackle Will Tukuafu questionable with a neck injury, the 49ers expect immediate contributions from defensive lineman Tony Jerod-Eddie, who was promoted from the practice squad on Friday.