General manager Trent Baalke believes he will have a better idea on defensive lineman Justin Smith’s status for the upcoming season on Friday.
Smith has not been taking part in the 49ers’ offseason program but he did visit the team’s headquarters on Thursday. Baalke said he was unable to meet with Smith due to a previous commitment.
“So he’ll be in in the next couple of days,” Baalke said Thursday morning on PFT Live. “Certainly, planning on being here this weekend for the rookie minicamp, so we’re going to get a chance to talk. Probably Friday, I’ll have more of a feel for what’s going on there. But he’s in good spirits and right now just taking care of family business.”
Baalke said regardless of whether Smith decides to return to the team for a 15th NFL season, the 49ers will not be surprised.
“He’s a hard guy to read,” Baalke said. “He’s a guy who likes to live on the edge a little bit and keep people waiting. But if he chooses to do so (return), we’ll welcome him back with open arms. And if he chooses not to, we’re prepared for that as well.”
The 49ers invested their first-round draft pick in Oregon defensive lineman Arik Armstead two weeks ago. The club has six other players with NFL experience: Darnell Dockett, Glenn Dorsey, Ian Williams, Tank Carradine, Quinton Dial and Tony Jerod-Eddie.
