Jim Harbaugh has said that Justin Smith is in the best position to know if he is fit enough to play for the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday.
The defensive end missed the end of the season with partially torn triceps, but has said that he will play through the injury for the playoffs.
The 49ers' head coach told reporters: "The doctors are always consulted, and the player knows his body the best, but the doctors have final decision.
"They're not going to just let a guy go out and play if he can't protect himself, or could severely make it worse than what it already is. That's a general rule of thumb.
Tight end Delanie Walker added: "It's basically us. [The team doctor] will tell you he don't think you should, but if you feel like you think you can, they'd give you the OK. You know your body better than anyone."
Fresh concern has been raised over players taking to the field despite already carrying an injury, following the knee injury sustained by Robert Griffin III last weekend.
The 49ers face the Green Bay Packers tomorrow.
Sian Cowper
