We expected that linebacker Aldon Smith would be in the 49ers lineup against the Giants when the team added him to the active roster on Saturday and they made it official on Sunday.
Smith is active for the game, his first of the 2014 season after serving a nine-game suspension for violations of the league’s substance-abuse and personal conduct policies. His return comes at a useful time for the 49ers in a couple of ways.
Aaron Lynch and Ahmad Brooks will start at outside linebacker for the 49ers, but Smith is in position to see a good amount of snaps in his debut. Dan Skuta remains out of the lineup with an ankle injury, leaving plenty of work for Smith if the 49ers think he’s up for it.
The Niners are also shorthanded in the secondary with Tramaine Brock inactive and Jimmie Ward hitting injured reserve, so any additional heat in the pass rush that Smith can provide would be welcomed as the 49ers try to win on the road for the second straight week.