All-Pro 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith was activated to the 53-man roster from the non-football injury list yesterday, two days after he turned himself in to Santa Clara County authorities as he faces weapons charges.
One of San Francisco’s dynamic pass rushers appears ready to return.
Smith had been undergoing rehab at an in-patient facility for substance abuse since late September and missed five games. With San Francisco on its bye this week, Smith could resume practicing and working out on his own, then formally practice next week ahead of a Nov. 10 home game against the Carolina Panthers.
Smith was charged Oct. 9 with three felony counts of illegal possession of an assault weapon. He will be due in court twice, on Nov. 12 and Nov. 19, to face drunk-driving and weapons charges.
The 24-year-old Smith had been on what the team called an indefinite leave of absence from the reigning NFC champions. Smith’s agent didn’t immediately return requests for comment.
While Smith is likely to face a suspension from the NFL, the league typically waits until all legal issues are resolved before handing down its discipline.
Smith played in a 27-7 home loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 22, just two days after he was arrested and jailed on suspicion of DUI and marijuana possession. He apologized for his behavior after the game, then later announced he had left the team to undergo treatment.
Bills QB undecided
Buffalo Bills quarterback Thad Lewis missed his second straight practice and remains questionable for Sunday’s game against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.
Coach Doug Marrone reiterated Lewis has a “50-50” chance of playing after bruising his ribs in Sunday’s loss to the New Orleans Saints. If Lewis is unable to play, the Bills will start either undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel or newly signed Matt Flynn.
Lewis has gone 1-2 since replacing rookie EJ Manuel, who has been sidelined with a knee injury. . . .
New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes (hamstring) and tight end Jeff Cumberland (concussion) sat out practice for the second straight day, and could miss Sunday’s game against the Saints. . . .
Outside linebacker Jarret Johnson, who missed two games with an injured hamstring, is expected to play Sunday when the San Diego Chargers play the Washington Redskins.
Combine frenzy
The NFL will hold 15 regional combines throughout the country starting in February, followed by a super regional. The regional combines begin Feb. 8-9 in Houston and end with the super regional on April 12-13 at Ford Field in Detroit.
The regional combines are a supplement to the NFL’s national scouting combine in Indianapolis.
