In his first week back from rehab, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith played just 12 of 67 possible snaps.
It wasn’t all that shocking, considering San Francisco defensive coordinator Vic Fangio suggested Smith would be on limited snaps prior to the Niners’ Week 10 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Combine that with the 49ers saying Smith would need to earn his way back, Smith playing at such a reduced snap level was understood.
That apparently will only last a week though as Fangio says he expects the talented linebacker to ‘play a lot‘ against Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints:
"Vic Fangio on Aldon Smith: “He’ll play a lot this week,” Also said “chances are good” Eric Reid plays but that it rests on concussion prtcl."
San Francisco’s pass rush wasn’t exactly awful against the Panthers in Week 10 as they got to Cam Newton four times, but San Francisco’s going to need to put pressure on Brees and without Smith, that task becomes even more challenging.