Daily Madden: Can Justin Smith Return For Playoffs?
49er star defensive lineman Justin Smith says he hopes to return for the playoffs in two weeks, despite a partially torn triceps muscle and a bone spur in his elbow.
"I think that's kind of wishful thinking," John Madden told the KCBS morning crew. "He's still going to need surgery on that... He's probably well enough to maybe suit up and play in the game, but I don't see getting the Justin Smith that we all know."
The Green Bay Packers will face the Minnesota Vikings in Saturday's NFC wild card game at Lambeau Field. The Vikings edged the Packers 37-34 in Minnesota Sunday to reach the playoffs.
"They change the venue, and that's a pretty big thing," John said. "Historically, Green Bay always had trouble with Minnesota in Minnesota. And then when Minnesota came to Green Bay not so much... I don't know if that's still true, but I know playing (the Packers) at (Minnesota) in a dome is different than playing them at Lambeau Field."
If the Packers win, they'll travel to San Francisco the following weekend to face the 49ers.
(8:20)
(Listen to the John Madden segment live weekday mornings at 8:15 on KCBS All News 740 AM/106.9 FM. And catch John's extra report at 9:15 a.m. Mondays and Fridays during the NFL season.)
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