Coach Jim Harbaugh addressed the media on Friday at team headquarters before the Week 16 Sunday night showdown in Seattle.
How did practice go this week?
“Good. Good practice this week. Solid week of practice.”
Did you like this day just because it sort of might mirror what you might see up in Seattle?
“Yeah, it was good for us.”
Wind, rain?
“A little wind, yeah.”
Have you guys filled the last spot on the 53 yet?
“I believe we’ll bring [LB]
Have you seen obviously the procedure he had in the offseason, how’s he doing physically? Have you seen a lot of improvement?
“Good. Yeah, it’s been a lot of improvement.”
Would he play on special teams?
“All that’s possible, yeah.”
Do you have an idea about DT
“Yeah, I think he’ll be questionable for the game.”
Did he do anything today?
“Yeah, he’s done quite a bit.”
In what areas?
“Rehab, strengthening, conditioning.”
How do you feel about DT
“I feel good. I think we all felt good about Ricky Jean and [DT] Ray [McDonald], anybody who goes in there. Next guy up.”
Do you see that when Justin’s not in there, does there seem to be a little bit more attention paid to LB
“No. I watched it a few times and not seen that.”
When Palo Alto athletic director and football coach Earl Hansen comes to practice do you ask him for input on anything or is he kind of just checking things out?
“He’s just watching practice.”
Is it cool for you to still have that relationship and have him here sometimes?
“Yes. Very, very good. Very good.”
How does it change, your defense when Justin Smith isn’t in there?
“I don’t know what really changes. He’s a great football player.”
Regardless of what happened Sunday, can you just talk about the toughness it takes to do what Justin has? 185 consecutive starts, he’s played through some tough stuff. Can you just address how amazing that is for defensive linemen to make that many consecutive starts?
“Yeah, amazing man. Amazing football player. Amazing accomplishment.”
Is it particularly amazing because of the position? Isn’t that like a small car accident every play down there?
“Yeah, it’s very physical in there. I haven’t played the position, but...”
You’re close to it though?
“Yeah, close enough to observe. Real football going on in there.”
