49ers could bring back Aldon Smith this season
San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith had his second DUI arrest back in September and is facing gun charges in California, as has been widely reported for weeks now.
Smith entered treatment for substance abuse back on September 23rd.
It has been widely speculated that Smith would miss the season, and perhaps more depending on the outcome of his criminal cases and subsequent punishment from the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell.
Well, according to a report from CSNBayArea.com’s Matt Maiocco, Aldon Smith may return this season, and his progress is going well according to the team.
“I hear things are going very well,” 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh said.
More from the report, and an anonymous team source:
"A source told CSNBayArea.com the 49ers could meet with Smith upon returning from London during the bye week. Smith must show “significant progress” to return to play this season."
When asked when the 49ers might meet with Aldon Smith to gauge his progress, Harbaugh believed it could be within the next couple weeks, but he wasn’t definitive.
“I’m not real knowledgeable on exactly when that’s going to be, but I think that at some point in the next couple of weeks.”
“(But) I’m not the definitive source on any announcement there,” Harbaugh said.
Since Smith has entered rehab, the 49ers are 4-0 and are giving up just 12.75 points per game. A return from Smith would be somewhat of a shock to many. Hopefully his progress is indeed going well, and he isn’t rushing to simply get back on the field.