Now that linebacker Aldon Smith has returned to the 49ers, the question is when Smith will return to the field.
The answer from both the player and the team is that it’s all being taken one day at a time.
On Tuesday, Smith said, “I’m just taking it one day at a time.” On Wednesday, coach Jim Harbaugh specifically was asked whether Smith will play Sunday against the 5-3 Panthers.
“This is a thing that is being taken day by day,” Harbaugh said.
Via Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area, Smith is participating in Wednesday’s full-pads practice. Which means that, at least for this day, he’s on track to play.
The 49ers have won five straight games without Smith, who has 38 sacks in 35 career regular-season games.