Earlier today, Eric Branch posted an interview with a Bay Area orthopedic surgeon in which the surgeon stated that Justin Smith likely needed upwards of 12 weeks to recover from any kind of triceps tear. He said that even with a tear of less than 50%, it can require 6 to 8 weeks of healing, followed by 6 to 8 weeks of rehabilitation.

The media spoke with some players today, and Justin Smith was one of them. His thoughts on a timeline?

Justin Smith said today he'll be ready to play if the playoffs started next week for the 49ers.

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) December 28, 2012

Coach Harbaugh did not have any specific updates, other than to say there is a higher risk of injury if he plays, but that he would need surgery in the offseason either way. Nothing new with that.

Whatever the case, Justin Smith is a bad man.