When a player lands on the non-football injury/illness list, the team isn’t required to pay his salary.
For 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith, the team will still be issuing the checks.
Though it’s unclear how long the 49ers will continue to pay Smith, a league source tells PFT that Smith has been paid for the first game missed during to his absence from the team.
He can remain on the NFI list indefinitely, and he doesn’t count against the team’s 53-man roster. Some league insiders have suggested that this procedure could invite abuses elsewhere. Keep in mind, however, that the Commissioner must approve the use of the NFI designation in these circumstances. If a team tries to take advantage of it, the league likely would block the move.
It’s not known when Smith will return to the 49ers. Most in-patient rehab programs last roughly a month.