49ers OLB Aldon Smith is questionable to return to Sunday's Wild Card game with cramping. Cramping can usually be fixed quickly with an IV, but Smith isn't playing and any snaps he misses are concerning for San Francisco. Early in the game, Smith was a one-man wrecking crew, harassing Aaron Rodgers relentlessly.

49ers DC Vic Fangio expects OLB Aldon Smith to play "a lot" in Week 11. Smith played just 12-of-67 snaps in his Week 10 return, but the 49ers are ready to unleash their No. 1 pass rusher as they look to slow Drew Brees. Smith may need one more week to get his legs underneath him, but should be a force down the stretch.

49ers OLB Aldon Smith played roughly a dozen defensive snaps in San Francisco's Week 10 loss to Carolina. Smith played two first-half snaps in his first game back from a leave of absence, and then played more in the second half, primarily in pass-rush situations. "Yeah, I was aware that I wasn't going to play much," he acknowledged. Smith finished without any statistics. We would expect him to play substantially more in Week 11 at New Orleans, perhaps even a full complement of snaps.

49ers OLB Aldon Smith is expected to play 20-25 percent of the defensive snaps in his Week 10 return to the lineup. It gives Smith an opportunity to not only ease back in, but stay fresh and rush the quarterback like he's been shot from a cannon whenever he's in the game. Sunday's matchup is going to be daunting for Carolina's passing game.

Speaking Thursday, 49ers DC Vic Fangio confirmed OLB Aldon Smith will be active for Sunday's game. NFL.com's Mike Silver reported last week that it was "no guarantee" Smith would suit up against the Panthers, but it was always hard to believe the Niners would hold out their best pass rusher. We'd guess Smith comes off bench, but plays the game's most critical snaps. He should be back in the starting lineup by Week 11.

Aldon Smith appears capable of playing every snap as soon as this week.

NFL.com's Mike Silver reports 49ers OLB Aldon Smith, who was activated off the reserve/NFI list Thursday, will have to "earn" his role back, and is "no guarantee" to suit up in Week 10. That's what should be the case, but we highly doubt that's how things unfold. The 49ers always talk a big game on discipline, but typically walk the same walk as the rest of the NFL. We'd guess Smith will "come off the bench" in Week 10, but play a near starter's complement of snaps before returning to the starting lineup in Week 11.

49ers activated OLB Aldon Smith from the reserve/NFI list. It means Smith will return to the starting lineup when the 49ers come back from their Week 9 bye. The move comes just two days after Smith turned himself in on felony weapons charges. He's due back in court on November 12. Smith, of course, also has outstanding charges from his September DUI/marijuana arrest. Smith played two days after his arrest in Week 3, but has been inactive since. He was in rehab. Smith has notched 4.5 sacks in three games this season.

NBC Bay Area reports 49ers OLB Aldon Smith turned himself into authorities on Tuesday night on felony weapons charges. Smith is apparently out of rehab. The weapons charges stem from the June 2012 party at Smith's residence when he allegedly possessed illegal assault weapons. Self-surrendering was part of the agreement Smith made with the Santa Clara County D.A. back on October 9. He quickly posted $75,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court November 12. Smith remains on an indefinite leave of absence from the 49ers but is tentatively expected to return in Week 10.

Commissioner Roger Goodell says 49ers OLB Aldon Smith's decision to undergo treatment for alcohol and drug problems will be considered when weighing any potential discipline. In other words, Smith may not face a suspension from the league. "Certainly, the issue here isn't to discipline players. It's to stop the behavior," Goodell said. "Aldon has voluntarily said, 'I need help.'" Smith will miss his fifth game this Sunday against the Jaguars as he continues his rehab process. He's expected to meet with the team during the Week 9 bye and could possibly be back for Week 10. If Smith were to escape without a suspension, he could still face a fine. Or Goodell could let him off if he's pleased with Smith's progress.