It has been a while now since Aldon Smith has been a member of the San Francisco 49ers, but I am still fascinated by his career. The former 49ers pass rusher is a member of the Oakland Raiders and is in the midst of trying to get back on the field. According to Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie, Smith has formally filed for reinstatement from a one-year suspension.
Smith’s suspension runs until November 17. Smith spent time in rehab this summer after a video appeared to show him smoking something that might have been marijuana. He denied it was him, but entered rehab shortly after. There is no specific word on when he left rehab, but McKenzie said Smith is “working out and getting ready,” while he remains suspended.
Smith will need to meet with Roger Goodell, and I imagine the summer video will be the primary topic of discussion. But if he can get back on the field, he could be a pretty big addition to the Raiders defense. Football Outsiders ranks the unit No. 28 overall, and No. 26 against the pass. FO ranks the pass rush No. 27 in adjusted sack rate. Smith might not add a lot out of the gate, but his addition would be better than nothing. And given that this team could be headed to the playoffs, he could have some time to get back to 100 percent and ready in time for the playoffs.