6. Aldon Smith’s Suspension to End?
San Francisco’s standout linebacker, Aldon Smith, has served eight games of his nine-game suspension for violations of the NFL’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies. But it’s possible that Smith will return this week.
A person with knowledge of the league’s inner workings said there is “a reasonably good chance” Smith will be reinstated this week by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, one week early, as a positive reinforcement for the manner in which Smith has conducted himself since being suspended.
Smith would be eligible to play Sunday at New Orleans if the suspension is ended a week early. If not, he would not play until Nov. 16 against the New York Giants at the Meadowlands.