49ers QB Alex Smith Could Miss Rest of Season

The shoulder injury suffered by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith may be more significant than originally thought, according to ESPN.com.

According to the report, Smith is seeking a second opinion on his injured throwing shoulder, which could result in season-ending surgery.

Initial reports stated that the grade-three shoulder separation would not require surgery and that Smith could return to the lineup before the end of the month.

However, preliminary MRI exam results indicate that the former No. 1 pick may have suffered a serious injury to tendons in the shoulder, according to the report. If that is the case, Smith is expected to have surgery immediately and would likely miss the remainder of the season