49ers: Akers to Start Saturday, Justin Smith Limited Again

In a surprising turn of events, it was David Akers who seemingly won the kicker battle that ensued for the better part of the last week.

Free agent kicker Billy Cundiff was called in to challenge the struggling Akers for the starting spot this last week in Saturday's playoff game against the Packers, and Cundiff was widely considered the favorite to take over for
Akers. That was the not the case, however, as Jim Harbaugh announced on Thursday that it would be Akers kicking against Green Bay -- not Cundiff.

Whether or not Akers actually won the "kicking competition" is irrelevant at this point. Harbaugh has bestowed his confidence in Akers, and we will find out on Saturday if that is the right move for a kicker without a hint of confidence on the field in past weeks.

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Justin Smith continued to be limited at practice on Thursday, and the jury is still out on how much of a factor he can be on the field against the Packers.

With Justin Smith's ability to be effective comes Aldon Smith's opportunities to get to Aaron Rodgers on Saturday, and that will be needed immensely in what will be a tough matchup for the 49ers against the red-hot Packers.

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Harbaugh: Justin Smith Will Play vs. Packers

Justin Smith will be on an NFL field for the first time in four weeks, since he suffered a partially torn triceps tendon against the Patriots. Jim Harbaugh said he expects Smith to start Saturday's game against the Packers.


Smith has still been limited in practice, and it is unknown at what percentage of strength he will be playing at this weekend. Considering he ended his extremely lengthy straight games played streak because of this injury, it is unlikely the percentage is 100%. However, some Justin Smith is better than no Justin Smith -- especially in the playoffs.

Here is what Harbaugh had to say on Wednesday.

"God willing and the creek don't rise, he's going to play," 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday.

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"At the time, I did know the severity of it and felt that with the brace, he would be able to play with what he had," Harbaugh said. "Now, again, you're not in somebody else's body. There are strength issues. There has been significant improvement since that time."

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"The player knows his body the best, but the doctors have final decision," Harbaugh said. "They're not going to just let a guy go out and play if he can't protect himself, or could severely make it worse than what it already is. That's a general rule of thumb."

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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.

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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.

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Justin Smith's Injury? Harbaugh Playing With Pete Carroll Through Media

The heart and soul of the 49ers' defense, Justin Smith, may or may not be injured, and that gives head coach Jim Harbaugh the perfect opportunity to provide a bit of uncertainty to the Seahawks/49ers game on Sunday night.


Harbaugh on Tuesday:

"Everybody affectionately refers to Justin Smith around here as 'The Cowboy,' " Harbaugh said. "I expect we'll see The Cowboy. Knowing what I know of Justin Smith and the situation, I think The Cowboy will be around, saddled up ... roping and riding. If it's humanly possible, The Cowboy will be out there, roping and riding."

Harbaugh on Wednesday:

“We’ll see,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll see how he feels today and tomorrow.”

There's a difference, folks.......

Smith has a consecutive games played streak of 185 games, and that could be in jeopardy this week.

That is except for the fact that JUSTIN SMITH DOESN'T MISS GAMES............

He'll be out there Sunday. Harbaugh knows it, Smith knows it and Pete Carroll knows it.

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Harbaugh: Justin Smith's Injury Not Serious

49ers' defensive tackle Justin Smith left in the third quarter of Sunday night's thriller against the Patriots, and New England scored 21 unanswered points in his absence.

Smith hurt his elbow during the game and did not return. Luckily, the 49ers were able to stave off a 28-point comeback by the Patriots that tied the game at 31-31 at one point.


Smith was scheduled to have an MRI on Monday, and while Jim Harbaugh offered no word on Smith's status, the Sacramento Bee's Matt Barrows is reporting that the injury does not appear long-term.

"49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said today the status of defensive tackle Justin Smith likely won't be known until later in the week, but he doesn't think Smith's is a long-term injury. Smith, the anchor of the 49ers' defensive line, injured his elbow in the third quarter of the 49ers' 41-34 win over the Patriots on Sunday night and did not return. 

"Harbaugh said Smith underwent an MRI on Monday and that the injury does not appear similar to that of linebacker Parys Haralson, who was placed on season-ending injured reserve after surgery to repair a torn left triceps suffered Aug. 26." 

"'But it's really going to be how he is today, tomorrow, Wednesday, before we know anything' about how long Smith might be out, Harbaugh said." 

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