49ers hopeful Aldon Smith will return after bye week
By Josh Sanchez
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith has taken some time away from the team to enter a rehab facility and try to defeat his own personal demons and there was no timetable for his return. However, in a recent interview, 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke said that the team is hopeful Smith could return soon.
“Our ultimate goal hasn’t changed: help Aldon get back to a place he feels comfortable and move forward in a positive manner,” Baalke said, via Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. “… We’re obviously hopeful [for a return after the bye]. At the same time, we’re prepared for either outcome.”
The 49ers are currently in London as they prepare for their International Series game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Following the overseas game, the Jaguars will return stateside and take the week off.
If all goes according to plan, when they return to the field in Week 10, Smith could be joining them in the lineup and helping to lift the defense back to one of the best in the league.