Report: 49ers Expect OLB Aldon Smith To Miss A “Minimum of Five Weeks”

Update:

Albert Breer of the NFL Network reports that 49ers OLB Aldon Smith is expected to be in rehab for a “minimum of three to four weeks.”

• Breer adds that the 49ers expect to be without him for a “minimum of five weeks,” which is due to getting him back into game-shape.
• Smith could be facing a  two- to four-game suspension upon returning to the team, although there’s a chance that his time in rehab could prevent the league from taking action.
• Ian Rapoport reports that the 49ers will pay Smith’s salary while he’s in rehab.

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Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports that 49ers OLB Aldon Smith is expected to “miss a month or so.”

Smith checked himself into rehab Monday as expected. San Francisco has said that they only intend bring Smith back once he’s received medical clearance from doctors.

The 49ers have Daniel Skuta listed as Smith’s replacement and rookie Corey Lemonier has Skuta’s backup on their depth chart, according Cam Inman.

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The San Francisco 49ers announced that they’ve placed OLB Aldon Smith on the non-football injury list.

“Aldon Smith is taking a leave of absence to address a personal matter,” said 49ers general manager Trent Baalke, via 49ers.com. “The 49ers organization both respects and supports Aldon’s decision and commends him for taking responsibility for his actions. The long-term well-being of our players is paramount and we will stand by Aldon as he works toward addressing this issue. Due to the private nature of the matter, we will have no further comment.”

“I am taking a leave of absence to address my health,” said Aldon Smith. “I am sorry that I have affected my team, my family and the organization. I will do everything in my power to handle this situation the best way possible. I appreciate the support of the 49ers and our fans.”

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The 49ers PR department has clarified CEO Jed York’s comments regarding OLB Aldon Smith. 

• York did not say that Smith was suspended, but only that he’s “out indefinitely,” per Mike Garafolo.
• Peter King reports that Smith will enter an in-patient facility early this week, via Pro Football Talk.
• San Francisco will place Smith on the non-football injury list Monday or Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport.

“I believe Aldon wants to tackle this problem, and we`re going to do everything we can to help him with this,” York said, per Matt Maiocco.

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49ers CEO Jed York told reporters following Sunday’s loss to the Colts that OLB Aldon Smith will not play on Thursday when they take on the Rams.

York added that Smith has been “suspended indefinitely” following Friday’s DUI arrest, , per Howard Balzer. The 49ers will offer him any help he needs to resolve personal problems.

San Francisco surprisingly allowed Smith to practice later on Friday despite being involved in a car crash and arrested for drunk driving. Smith also suited up for the 49ers on Sunday. He produced five tackles, one of which was a tackle for loss.

We still don’t know how long he will be suspended, but we should know more in the coming days. The NFL could issue a fine or possible suspension as well.