49ers LB Aldon Smith “Highly Unlikely” To Be Available To Start 2014 Season

 

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that San Francisco LB Aldon Smith will “almost definitely” be unavailable for week one of the 2014 NFL season, when the 49ers visit the Dallas Cowboys.

• Florio adds that Smith’s July 25 sentencing date – stemming from his arrest for DUI and multiple weapons charges – could keep him out beyond week one as well.
• Florio, citing a source with knowledge, writes that Smith is not likely to receive jail time assuming he complies with the judge’s orders, but that the NFL is likely to suspend him for at least one game.

With the sentencing date coming just after the start of 49ers camp (July 24th), it appears that Smith’s status will remain in limbo for a substantial period.  The league will not take action until after the courts have dealt with the case.

In May, San Francisco picked up Smith’s fifth-year option for the 2015 season, but issued Smith a stern warning that his off the field conduct needed an adjustment.

The severity of Smith’s infractions may very well land him a multi-game suspension.  San Francisco would look to OLB Corey Lemonier, or OLB Dan Skuta as his replacement.

The 49ers face the Cowboys, Bears, Cardinals and Eagles in their first four weeks.