Smith undergoes MRI examination on Tuesday
 

He has sucked in the three weeks post-injury. Well, he's been subpar all year. But it may have been better to have his toughness questioned and sat out a few more weeks. Trying to show everyone on his team he can play hurt, per Maiocco, has resulted in two things...

"...the problems with Smith's shoulder and forearm have created two other potentially long-term problems for Smith: 1) His mechanics appear messed up as he tries to compensate for the injury; and 2) With his poor play since he returned to the lineup, Smith's confidence has taken a major hit, as well.

http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=699956

On a related note, I found this interesting...

"Seattle linebacker Julian Peterson said he observed Alex Smith wincing and grimacing as he was throwing the ball Monday and speculated the 49ers quarterback was still playing hurt.

"It's kind of hard for them to pass the ball if he's not completely healthy," Peterson said after the game. "He can't really get the ball down when he wants to. You see the receiver jumping way high or the ball is too low."

Nolan dismissed Peterson's remarks.

"If Julian was a doctor, I would probably take what he had to say more seriously, but he's a football player," Nolan said.

Of Smith, Nolan added, "He's fine. . . . He is not playing well, but I would not put it on his shoulder."

http://www.mercurynews.com/raiders/c...nclick_check=1

Nolan should have sat him. Who cares if Smith says he's fine. If the opposing players see he's hurt, why can't the coaches?

If opposing players are saying he's hurt, well then he must be hurt. To hell with what the team docs are saying.

Meaning that if the player is cleared to play he should always be in the game?

meaning that if I'm affiliated with the 49ers as a coach, front office or training staff, I don't base my decision on what an opposing player has to say.

Great. On that we can both agree.

village idiot > SMR.

Great. On that we can both agree.