Justin Smith has said that he feels "good to go" following surgery to repair a triceps tear earlier this year.
The defensive end has been taking part in the San Francisco 49ers' off-season program as he continues to regain his fitness.
The 34-year-old told the 49ers' website: "I'd be good to go [in a game this month]. You're trying to get back to where you were at your peak. [I'm] real close, feel good about it. Still have six more weeks so I should be right on schedule.
"You really can't forecast out anything past the year that you're in. I'm thinking about 2013 and 2013 only. We have our team back for the most part, added some other pieces. So the goal is still the same, we got close, didn't get it done and hopefully we get it done this year.
"Nothing's a given, nothing's a guarantee. They don't like old guys for football. I'm going to enjoy this year, do the best I can for this year and hopefully it's enough for us, for the team and we can get it done."
Smith is entering the final year of his six-season deal with the Super Bowl runners-up.
Sian Cowper
