The 49ers are expected to rotate their defensive line more heavily than in past seasons.

From 2011-2012 only two defensive lineman played more snaps than Justin Smith and Ray McDonald. Smith will turn 34 during the first month of the season and is coming off a torn triceps injury. The defense was noticeably weaker with Smith out of the lineup, so it's in the best interest of the team to keep him fresh.

49ers GM Trent Baalke says RE Justin Smith (triceps surgery) already has "no restrictions" in his rehab, and is back in the weight room.

Smith underwent surgery soon after the Super Bowl. The 49ers will likely take it easy with Smith in their offseason program, but he's on pace to be 100 percent for training camp. Baalke also Aldon Smith (labrum) is coming along "conservatively," but will be fine. The defending NFC champs have no reason to rush either of their pass-rushing linchpins.

The Sacramento Bee confirms 49ers RE Justin Smith (triceps surgery) is on track for the start of training camp.

Smith underwent surgery in February and has already shed his sling. He's currently in attendance at the Niners' offseason conditioning program. Smith, who turns 34 in September, is coming off of a 66-tackle, three-sack season.

Including the playoffs, 49ers RE Justin Smith's 2,141 snaps over the past two seasons are fourth among all defensive linemen.

That's despite the fact that Smith missed 2.5 games in 2012. Smith had appeared in 185 consecutive contests before partially tearing his triceps against the Patriots in Week 15, but it's fair to wonder if the 49ers will ease up on the linchpin of their defensive line in 2013. If they don't, it's quite possible Smith's triceps tear will end up the first of many injuries for a player who's going on 34. Smith's backup Ricky Jean-Francois has made a minimal impact on his 637 snaps over the past two seasons.

49ers RE Justin Smith confirmed he will not retire.

Smith is ready to attack his rehab following this week's surgery to repair his partially torn triceps. He'll enter the 2013 season at age 34 and in the final year of the six-year, $45 million pact he signed in 2008. "I would like to come back and try to get (to the Super Bowl) again," Smith said. "I realize my career is definitely winding down. I'm not saying I'm going to play another eight years or something like that."

A league source tells CSN Bay Area 49ers RE Justin Smith will undergo surgery on his torn left triceps this week, and will require three months of rehab.

Per beat writer Matt Maiocco, Smith could be ready for the "final stages" of the 49ers' offseason program, and is expected to be 100 percent for training camp. Smith is due $8 million in the final season of his six-year, $45 million contract in 2013. Eight months shy of his 34th birthday, Smith played at a high level during the regular season, but was ineffective bordering on a liability as he played hurt in the postseason.

Pro Football Focus' Neil Hornsby believes 49ers RE Justin Smith's performance in Super Bowl XLVII was his "worst (game) since 2009."

Playing with a left triceps that was 50 percent torn, Smith failed to hurry Joe Flacco on any of his 59 snaps. Smith was a liability for the entire postseason, and helped bring Aldon Smith's play down with him, as opposing lineman were able to devote far greater attention to the second-year pass rusher. According to Hornsby, the elder Smith managed only two "disruptions" on 115 rushes after returning in the Divisional Round. "Cowboy" has missed just three games in 12 NFL seasons, but his health is going to be an X-factor for the 49ers' pass rush in 2013.

49ers RE Justin Smith says his left triceps is approximately 50 percent torn, and confirms he needs offseason surgery.

Triceps surgery will require a fairly lengthy rehabilitation period, but Smith should be ready for training camp. Smith also said he hasn't considered retiring. "I'm not going to retire after this year," the 33-year-old Smith said Wednesday. "I realize my career is definitely winding down. I'm not saying I'm going to play another eight years or something like that. I want to play at a high level." Still commanding double teams, Smith did indeed play at a high level in 2012, grading out as the No. 5 3-4 end in Pro Football Focus' ratings.

49ers RE Justin Smith says his torn left triceps tendon is getting better since he returned two games ago.

"I can do more stuff every week," Smith said. "I think it heals up, obviously, as more time goes by and it's feeling better." Still, a triceps brace has prevented full motion in the arm. Smith is hopeful he'll be able to play "with more abandon" in the Super Bowl. "I know how many games I have left now -- four more quarters," he said. Smith will need surgery after the season.

49ers RE Justin Smith (triceps) practiced in full Wednesday.