San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Justin Smith (elbow) will be inactive on Sunday night against the Seattle Seahawks, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter on Sunday NFL Countdown. Smith suffered the elbow injury early in the second half against the Patriots last Sunday night and was unable to return. Despite not practicing all week, the 12-year veteran might have been able to go if the injury had improved enough, but according to Schefter, it has not.
Justin Smith reportedly out for Sunday night, raising fantasy value of Seahawks’ starters
The ‘Cowboy’ will miss just the second game of his career. We break down the fantasy implications.
Schefter added that it would be unlikely for Smith to play in Week 17 against the Cardinals also.
Fantasy Take: This is fantastic news for people that are starting Marshawn Lynch or Russell Wilson during championship week, as Smith is one of the fiercest interior defensive lineman in the league. The 49ers are good enough to not collapse without Smith, but he is still an important piece to the D, and it was after he went out last Sunday that the Pats put up 28 straight points.
Lynch was already a must-start, but now his odds look a little bit sweeter.
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