Less than a week before their preseason opener, the 49ers have already suffered their first signficant loss.
On Saturday, starting inside linebacker Malcolm Smith sustained a torn pectoral muscle in practice and was lost for the season. Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Smith likely sustained a long-term injury shortly after practice and that was confirmed after Smith underwent an MRI. The NFL Network reported Smith is out for the season.
Smith’s injury could open the door for first-round pick Reuben Foster to open the season as the starter alongside NaVorro Bowman. Foster, the 31st overall pick, was rated by the 49ers as the third-best prospect in the draft.