Smith: 'I'd like to push it next week'

Matt Maiocco, The Press Democrat

Niners quarterback Alex Smith is still saying he'd like to return to action Oct. 21 against the New York Giants after sustaining a separated right shoulder on Sunday against the Seahawks. "That would be the goal," Smith said. "The bye week helps." The swelling is going down in his right shoulder and the pain is subsiding, he said. He hopes next week he can begin throwing a tennis ball and then build up to throwing a football. "I'd like to push it next week," Smith said. The 49ers play the Ravens on Sunday. Trent Dilfer will get the start at quarterback. Next week, the 49ers are scheduled to practice Monday through Thursday before taking the weekend off because of the bye. When the 49ers come back, they will begin preparations for the Giants. Smith said he does not plan to undergo surgery -- now or after the season. He spoke with Dr. James Andrews this morning. Andrews told him the everything looked good. Smith is still wearing a sling, but he hopes to be able to start moving it around, which will expedite the recovery process.

Smith said the ligaments were torn are not vital to the process of throwing. The ligaments generally scar over. As Smith spoke with reporters, there did not appear to be any obvious deformity in his shoulder.

Smith said his agent, Tom Condon, and 49ers athletic trainer, Jeff Ferguson, have good relationships with Dr. Andrews. That is why the MRI from Monday was sent to Dr. Andrews. Smith said he does not believe he would require a cortisone injection in order to play, but he might need to take some "pain medication." Yesterday, Smith's drive to work was a bit hectic, he said. He heard the reports on ESPN that he would require immediate season-ending surgery and he thought maybe he had yet to be informed of the news. The report was inaccurate.