49ers QB Smith might need surgery
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Associated Press
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Quarterback Alex Smith could find out today whether his latest shoulder injury will end his season and his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers.
The former No. 1 overall draft pick was added to the 49ers' injury report Friday after feeling pain in his surgically repaired right shoulder during practice. Smith, who lost his starting job to journeyman J.T. O'Sullivan in training camp, was in street clothes for yesterday's 23-13 loss to Arizona.
The quarterback said the new injury is around the bone, near where Dr. James Andrews repaired his separated shoulder in December. The new injury could "potentially" force Smith to have another season-ending surgery, he said.
"They're trying to figure that out," Smith said. "That's the goal. Hopefully, the films get down to Dr. Andrews (today), and they'll talk and see what's what."
Coach Mike Nolan said he had talked with general manager Scot McCloughan over the weekend about adding another quarterback to the roster.
If Smith is unable to play this season, he's almost certain to be cut by the 49ers, who would have to pay Smith more than $9 million in base salary next season. McCloughan said last week that Smith would be released if he wasn't San Francisco's clear-cut starter heading into next season.
Smith said the injury apparently occurred gradually, culminating in intense pain when he made a throw late in Friday's practice.
ELSEWHERE
Titans: Tennessee quarterback Vince Young was on crutches after spraining his left knee late in the Titans' win over Jacksonville. Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher said his quarterback will have tests to determine the severity of the injury.
Bengals: Chad Johnson has changed his name, but his jersey remained the same yesterday against Baltimore. The Cincinnati receiver legally changed his name from Chad Johnson to Chad Ocho Cinco, but the NFL decided against allowing him to put his name on his jersey.
Chiefs: Kansas City quarterback Brodie Croyle left yesterday's game against New England with a bruised right shoulder and was replaced by backup Damon Huard. Croyle was 11 for 19 for 88 yards before being sacked by Adalius Thomas with 9:24 left in the third quarter.
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