Smith announced his intention to retire from the NFL on Monday.

Smith's decision to retire comes after a wildly productive 14-year career that included five Pro Bowl and two All-Pro selections. The fourth overall pick in 2001, Smith posted 880 tackles and 87 sacks while playing for the Bengals and 49ers over the course of his career. With Smith known to be strongly considering retirement, the 49ers went ahead and drafted defensive lineman Arik Armstead in the first round this offseason, offering a raw talent to help try and fill Smith's significant absence going forward.

Smith is strongly considering retirement, CSN Bay Area reports.

Smith was known to be pondering retirement this offseason, but with Monday's news that teammate Patrick Willis is likely to hang up his cleats, Smith may very well follow suit. The 35-year-old has battled numerous injuries in recent seasons, which contributed toward some career-low totals for him during the 2014 campaign.

Smith - who missed Sunday's season finale against Arizona - finished the 2014 season with 43 tackles (28 solo), five sacks, and two forced fumbles.

The 35-year-old lineman turned in his worst tackle totals of his entire career and is pondering retirement heading into the offseason. He has dealt with several injuries over the past few seasons and his body may be breaking down after 14 seasons in the NFL. Several teammates have expressed interest in convincing Smith not to retire, but the decision will ultimately be his. Even if he were to come back in 2015, he likely wouldn't be an every-down player anymore.

Smith (back) is active for Sunday's game at Seattle.

Smith has aided IDP pursuits over the last three contests, notching nine tackles (six solo), two sacks, and one forced fumble. However, the ever-elusive Russell Wilson could put a stop to Smith's recent run.

Smith (back) is active for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

The 49ers like to give Smith a lot of veteran rest during the week, but he was able to practice Friday and shouldn't be noticeably limited against Oakland. Feel free to use him as you normally would.

Smith (back) is probable for Sunday's game against Oakland.

Smith missed the first two days of practice this week, but he practiced fully Friday, indicating his back issue is very manageable. He's worth using as you normally would in IDP formats.

Smith (back) did not practice Monday, the Sacramento Bee's Matt Barrows reports.

He could still be able to take the field this week after recording three tackles (two solo) and a sack in Thursday's loss to the Seahawks. Continue to monitor his status throughout the week, as it may have just been an attempt to rest the veteran defensive end.

Smith (back) was active against the Seahawks on Thursday and recorded three tackles (two solo) and a sack in the 19-3 loss.

After a strong start to the season, then a lull between weeks 3 and 11, Smith has begun to turn it on over the past couple of weeks. He has recorded a sack in consecutive games and also forced a fumble last week. He will never put up huge tackle numbers, but he is beginning to look like the disruptive player we are used to.

Smith (back) listed as active for Thursday's game against the Seahawks.

Smith averages just three tackles a game, with his fantasy value dependent on his ability to get to the QB, something he did in Week 12 for the first time since Week 2.

Smith (back) was listed as probable for Thursday's game against the Seahawks, the 49ers' official site reports.

Smith only fit in one limited practice all week, but the veteran pass rusher will attempt to get after Russell Wilson in the Thanksgiving affair. On the season, Smith has accrued 33 tackles (22 solo), four sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 11 contests.

Smith (back) did not practice Tuesday, the San Jose Mercury News reports.

Apparently, Smith suffered a back injury in Sunday's win over Washington, and his status for Thursday's game against Seattle is murky in light of his DNP Tuesday. The injury was news to defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who may have to lean on Tony Jerod-Eddie or Tank Carradine on the right side of the line if Smith is unable to go.

Smith recorded three tackles (two solo) and forced a fumble in Sunday's win over the Chiefs.

The one they call "the cowboy" was a disruptive force yet again. The forced fumble was his first turnover created this season, and it compliments his 16 tackles and three sacks on the year. He continues to be a productive defensive lineman despite his rising age.

Smith (non-injury) is active for Sunday's game against Arizona.

Smith is off to a solid start in IDP formats, with eight tackles and three sacks in two games to date.

Smith (non-injury) is probable for Sunday's game against Arizona.

The Arizona offensive line is vulnerable and Smith is off to a strong start this year, making him look like a strong on-paper IDP start.

Smith (non-injury) was given the day off Wednesday to simply rest, and not because of an injury, CSN Bay Area reports.

The report indicates that coach Jim Harbaugh will likely give the veteran lineman Wednesdays off for the remainder of the season in an effort to keep him fresh. The 14-year veteran has nothing to prove in practice, and the team's main concern is keeping him healthy and recharged for Sundays.

Smith (non-injury) is active for Sunday's game against the Bears.

As expected, Smith is out there Sunday, on the heels of a Week 1 effort in which he recorded six tackles and two sacks for his IDP owners.

Smith (non-injury) is probable for Sunday's game against Chicago.

Smith is at or near full strength, so his IDP owners don't need to factor his health into the decision of whether to utilize him this week.

Smith (shoulder) returned to the practice field Wednesday, Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reports.

Smith was assumed to be healthy, but he had missed the 49ers' first preseason game last week and was absent from training camp. His return Wednesday indicates that he is ready to go and should be available for Sunday's game. Smith will resume his role as the team's starting right defensive end.

49ers RE Justin Smith revealed he had offseason shoulder surgery.

Smith says he suffered shoulder damage in last year's training camp, but played through it and had it repaired over winter. Entering his 14th season, Smith said he's now taking his career one year at a time. He's missed just three games.

49ers RE Justin Smith is recovering from an offseason "procedure," but should be ready for training camp.

Smith is coming off yet a terrific season and is entering his age-35 season. After seeing his snaps reduced in 2013 in an effort to keep him fresher, Smith's play-count total could dip again in 2014 with DL Tank Carradine healthy and added to the mix. Smith has missed just three games in his 13-year career.