What Aldon Smith’s Return Means for Battered San Francisco 49ers Defense

November 16, 2014   ·   Kristopher Knox   ·   Jump to comments

The San Francisco 49ers remain in the NFC playoff picture despite dropping two of their last three contests. However, the 49ers will likely need to go on a late-season run in order to move up from their current position (No. 8 seed in the conference) and into a playoff slot.
One reason to believe that San Francisco can go on a late run is the looming return of star pass-rusher Aldon Smith.
Smith, who was suspended for nine games for violations of the substance abuse and personal conduct policies, has been reinstated to the active roster and is expected to make his 2014 debut on Sunday against the New York Giants.
His return could hardly come at a better time for the 49ers defense, which has been forced to operate without a number of key players this season.
Along with missing Smith, the 49ers have been without star linebacker NaVorro Bowman all year due to his ACL tear last year. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, there is a good chance that Bowman won't be returnin...

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