Aldon Smith expected to be away from San Francisco 49ers for next few weeks

Earlier today, it was reported that San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith was en route (via air) to a treatment facility where he’ll get rehab for his drinking problems.

Now, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who appeared on NFL Insiders this afternoon, Smith is expected to be away from the team for the next ‘few weeks’, though Schefter stopped short of giving an actual return date.

As you’ll recall, Smith was arrested Friday morning for allegedly driving drunk after being involved in a solo crash. Unknown/unmarked prescription pills were also allegedly found in the car, though, initial reports of marijuana also in the vehicle were proven to be false.

Smith played in San Francisco’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts yesterday, which didn’t sit well with many, though the Niners couldn’t suspend the talented linebacker under the new CBA. The only action they could have taken was to deactivate him, though, that could have resulted in drama from the player union, so the team felt it was best for him to play and then to get him to treatment.