06 August, 2017
The 49ers press conference was setup to introducing the new general manager, John Lynch, and the teams new head coach, Kyle Shanahan.
If they do miss regular season action, the 49ers aren't exactly screwed, but they're not in a good place either.
Smith suffered a chest injury during practice and is expected to undergo an MRI, per Branch. Smith figured to be the starting weakside linebacker in the 49ers' new 4-3 defense. The injury opens up an opportunity for rookie linebacker Reuben Foster to immediately move up the depth chart and get more practice reps as the team prepares for the 2017 season. He had spent the previous two seasons with the Oakland Raiders. The 49ers traded back into the first round to take Foster and said he was one of the top-three players on their draft board. The team also has faith in Ray-Ray Armstrong, a converted safety former GM Trent Baalke gave a contract extension in December.
One player who has made a lot of noise during the 49ers' training camp is now behind Armstrong on the depth chart, but that could change quickly.
Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group reported Garnett may require surgery but noted the injury isn't expected to be a long-term issue. But the more plays Foster starts making, the harder it will become to pull him off the field. The Niners have no shortage of bodies along the offensive line, but many are journeymen who have been mediocre or worse for a long time. "I think at linebacker you have to smart, patient, know when you can shoot your gun and go make those plays".
Garnett, a first-round pick in 2016, was competing with Zane Beadles for the starting left guard spot after starting 11 games at right guard as rookie.
What the 49ers likely will do is platoon Armstrong and Foster together. "They're both two smart guys", Bowman said.
