Aldon Smith suspension officially lifted; OLB to hit practice field today

Aldon Smith’s suspension officially was lifted today, and the outside linebacker is expected to be on the field for today’s walk-through practice as the 49ers begin preparing for the Giants.

The team does not have to make immediate room for Smith on the roster. They are granted an exemption for Smith until Nov. 17. However, if he’s in uniform Sunday in New Jersey, they would have to cut someone.

Jim Harbaugh this morning on KNBR radio hedged when asked how Smith would be worked into the lineup. All indications, however, are that he is in excellent shape, and he also went through training camp and the preseason with the 49ers.

Smith was permitted to work out at the team facility and to participate in team meetings during his suspension, which was for DUI and weapons possession convictions. He was not able to practice.

One scenario is that Smith will play on passing downs -- perhaps opposite rookie Aaron Lynch -- in his first game back. He played only 12 snaps last year in his first game back from a six-week stint in an alcohol rehabilitation center. Smith, however, was not training with the team as he has been this season.

This story was originally published November 11, 2014 at 8:35 AM with the headline "Aldon Smith suspension officially lifted; OLB to hit practice field today."