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.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' George Kittle fires back at critics claiming Kyle Shanahan is on the hot seat
Kyle Shanahan delivered one of the most impressive coaching performances of his career last season, guiding the San Francisco 49ers to the playoffs despite a roster ravaged by injuries. Now entering his 10th season as the 49ers' head coach, Shanahan has led the franchise to... -
49ers mourn the passing of former LB Aldon Smith
The San Francisco 49ers have issued the following statement following the passing of former linebacker Aldon Smith. "We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith. Aldon's undeniable talent and sheer dominance on the field were on display from the moment... -
49ers game manager? Alex Smith pushes back on Brock Purdy narrative
No matter what Brock Purdy accomplishes, there always seem to be critics ready to dismiss his success by claiming he's simply a product of the San Francisco 49ers' system. The "game manager" label has followed the 26-year-old quarterback throughout much of his NFL career. One... -
49ers' Kyle Juszczyk reveals encouraging George Kittle update, praises Mike Evans, minicamp decision
On Saturday, San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk joined "The Insiders" on NFL Network and discussed where he believes the team currently stands, as well as some of his teammates. How is TE George Kittle coming along in his rehab from a torn Achilles? How does WR Mike...