SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan's fears about linebacker Malcolm Smith's pectoral injury were confirmed Saturday when an MRI revealed a tear that could end Smith's season before it gets started.
Smith suffered the injury during the team's practice Saturday at Levi's Stadium. Moments after that workout, Shanahan suggested that Smith would miss an extended period of time but had expressed hope that Smith might be able to play this year.
Those hopes were dashed after an MRI showed that Smith suffered a torn pectoral, the team confirmed Saturday night. While the injury is likely to keep Smith out for the season, the Niners have not yet made a roster move and could wait a little bit to explore their options.