Aldon Smith attends practice, Sunday status unknown

The 49ers media is reporting that outside linebacker Aldon Smith is currently at practice, the same day as he was booked by the Santa Clara Sheriff's Department with DUI and marijuana possession. It is not exactly surprising that he would be back at practice, although I suppose they could have immediately sat him.

There is some speculation already that this means Smith will play on Sunday, and talent quickly is trumping deeds. I think it's too soon to tell if Smith will play Sunday, although I can see why people would assume he would be playing given how talented he is.

The NFL will have their share of action to take, as this is Smith's second arrest for an alcohol-related offense. When you add in the marijuana possession (prescription or not), a suspension would not be surprising.

The 49ers are left trying to decide what to do with him with only a couple days left until game-day. Last year, Demarcus Dobbs was arrested for DUI on the Friday before the 49ers traveled to face the Rams, and Dobbs was left home and deactivated for the game. Dobbs is not the talent Smith is, but the situations have similar timelines. Add in the fact that this is Aldon's second alcohol-related arrest, and how can the team justify playing him when they deactivated Dobbs last year?

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