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 "Smith will be eligible to return to the 49ers' active roster on
Monday, November 10 following the team's November 9 game against the
New Orleans Saints," an NFL spokesman said in a statement on Friday.
Smith, 24, a Pro Bowl selection in 2012, missed five games during
the 2013 season after being arrested on suspicion of driving under
the influence and then voluntarily checking himself into a
rehabilitation facility.
"Our organization has known this decision would come and we have
prepared for it as a team," 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said
in a statement on Friday.
"Aldon has taken responsibility for his actions and has continued to
show growth personally and professionally. We will continue to
support him, but it is time to put this matter behind us and focus
on the season ahead."
The seventh overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Smith in 2012 became
the fastest player in the NFL to record 30 sacks, achieving the feat
in just 27 games.
"He's had a heck-of-a training camp," 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said.
"He's really taken his game to the highest level."
[to top of second column] |
San Francisco will also begin the season without All-Pro inside linebacker
NaVorro Bowman, who is recovering from a knee injury he sustained during
the National Football Conference Championship game, which was won 23-17
by the Seattle Seahawks.
(Reporting by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; Editing by Gene
Cherry)
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