Most assumed that linebacker Malcolm Smith would play the majority of the San Francisco 49ers' defensive snaps against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following the arrest of Reuben Foster. Smith's 26 snaps on Sunday were fewer than his total in each of the previous three games (39 in Week 8, 33 in Week 9, and 59 in Week 10).
Head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked on Monday why Smith was limited against the Buccaneers. Apparently, Smith is dealing with an injury that he tried to play through.
"It's the same thing he's been dealing with," Shanahan responded. "He has tendinitis in his lower leg. (He) came back from the bye week, it was bothering him all week. He tried to go for most of the first half, and then Elijah (Lee) took over in the second."
Elijah Lee ended up playing 49 snaps in the game, his second-largest total in a single game this season (72 in Week 2).
Shanahan went on to say the 49ers will likely have to add a linebacker and safety sometime this week. In addition to Smith ailing, safety Jimmie Ward left Sunday's game with a broken forearm and will be lost for the remainder of the season.
Why Fred Warner believes 49ers' rookie defenders are ready to shine
By David Bonilla
10 hrs
Over the weekend, NBC Sports Bay Area caught up with Fred Warner at his annual ProCamps youth football event at St. Francis High School in Mountain View. The San Francisco 49ers linebacker is eager to get back to work this offseason. But, as is often the case year to year, the...
Why the 49ers are considered 2025 NFL schedule winners
By David Bonilla
May 15
Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports revealed his winners and losers following the NFL's release of its 272-game schedule, and the San Francisco 49ers were among the teams he labeled as winners. While the games still need to be played, and it's too early to predict a full turnaround...
ESPN reveals why Kurtis Rourke could thrive with the 49ers
By David Bonilla
May 15
The San Francisco 49ers were widely expected to target a quarterback in the later rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. Still, few anticipated they'd take a chance on one recovering from ACL surgery—especially one who may not be ready to compete for a roster spot during training...
Why the 49ers' 2025 Schedule Could Be Their Golden Ticket Back to the NFC West Throne
By Carlos Torres
May 13
Tomorrow, May 14th, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET, the NFL world will turn its attention to the unveiling of the 2025 schedule. This release carries significant weight for the San Francisco 49ers and their faithful, potentially outlining the path back to NFC West supremacy.
Based on...
