Make of this what you will: Jim Harbaugh today said that Justin Smith would be listed as questionable on the team's injury report, and he was listed as such on the team's injury report this afternoon. An earlier report the team sent to league listed Smith as doubtful.
A questionable designation means there is a 50 percent possibility a player will take part in the upcoming game. Doubtful means there is a 25 percent chance.
Asked if Smith, who left Sunday's game with an apparent elbow injury, did anything today, Harbaugh said, "Yeah, he's done quite a bit: Rehab, strengthening, conditioning." Smith, however, has not taken part in any practices this week.
Ricky Jean Francois said he expected to start at Smith's right defensive end spot. "Just another start. I ain't going to be sitting on the bench, not being able to get in the game," he said. "So this week the preparation was a little bit different -- more film, more details on their offense. Usually I'm on the sideline."
Also listed as questionable on the 49ers' practice report are linebacker Tavares Gooden (ribs), outside linebacker Clark Haggans (shoulder), receiver Mario Manningham (shoulder) and defensive lineman Will Tukuafu (concussion) .
Like Smith, Haggans did not practice this week. The 49ers promoted seventh-round draft pick Cam Johnson, an outside linebacker, from the practice squad to the active roster. The team had an extra spot on the 53-man roster after suspending running back Brandon Jacobs earlier this month.
Listed as probable this week: K David Akers (pelvis), G Alex Boone (knee), LB Navorro Bowman (shoulder), LB Ahmad Brooks (shoulder), CB Tarell Brown (shoulder), S Dashon Goldson (foot), RB Frank Gore (wrist), G Mike Iupati (shoulder), RB Bruce Miller (shoulder), CB Carlos Rogers (knee), LB Aldon Smith (shoulder), S C.J. Spillman (illness) and LB Patrick Willis (shoulder) . Spillman missed Friday's practice.
For the Seahawks, cornerback Richard Sherman missed the last two days of practice while dealing with a suspension hearing in New York. However, Seattle coach Pete Carroll said the team expected Sherman to play Sunday.
Questionable
S Jeron Johnson (groin), WR Sidney Rice (knee), CB Walter Thurmond (hamstring), CB Marcus Trufant (hamstring)
Probable
DT Alan Branch (ankle), RB Marshawn Lynch (back), CB Richard Sherman (not injury related), RB Robert Turbin (illness), RB Leon Washington (illness)
- Matt Barrows
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