On Monday, San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith returned to practice after sitting out with a minor hip injury. Opposite him, left outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks also dressed for practice this week. It's important for the Niners defense to get healthy as the regular season nears.

In Week 2 of the exhibition, the 49ers were forced to start Eric Bakhtiari and Parys Haralson, while Smith and Brooks failed to even make the trip.

49ers beat writer Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee had this to say:

Starters Ahmad Brooks and Aldon Smith, who did not play Saturday in Houston, were in uniform for the start of today's practice. Smith, who suffered a hip pointer Aug. 10, appeared to be moving a bit more slowly than his teammates and he may not go through a full practice.

San Francisco will see Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos this week for their third preseason game. Jim Harbaugh has not yet indicated whether or not Smith and Brooks will play, but the team does not seem to be in a rush to get them on the field for exhibition matches.

Aldon Smith and Ahmad Brooks should be full-go before Week 1 of the regular season rolls around.