The 49ers are ready for Aldon Smith to come back.
Smith, the outside linebacker who entered an alcohol rehabilitation program after playing for the 49ers in Week Three, has been activated from the non-football injury list.
The 24-year-old Smith is one of the NFL’s most talented pass rushers, but off-field problems have been a concern throughout his career, and last month he was arrested for drunk driving for the second time in the two and a half years he’s been with the 49ers. During his absence from the team he was also charged with three felonies for allegedly possessing illegal assault weapons.
Smith may still have legal trouble and may still face league discipline, but he is back with the team and likely to play when the 49ers return from this week’s bye and host the Panthers next Sunday.