When 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith was asked earlier this week if he’d play on Sunday after making his return to the team from rehab, Smith said he was taking things one day at a time.
When 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh was asked the same question, he offered up pretty much the same answer.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio isn’t one for taking things day by day, however. Fangio met the media this week and he said that we should expect to see Smith on the field against the Panthers.
“I’m sure he’ll play some,” Fangio said, via the team.
How much “some” turns out to be will likely have a lot to do with Smith’s conditioning after six weeks away from the team. It’s a good bet that the Niners won’t put a cap on the snaps he’ll play ahead of time and just let things develop on Sunday so that the door remains open to having Smith on the field as much as possible.