Aldon Smith (photo/49ers.com)

Aldon Smith (photo/49ers.com)

San Francisco 49ers linebacker, and former Mizzou standout, Aldon Smith has been suspended for the first nine games of the season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies.  It breaks down as four games for violations of the substance abuse policy and five games for violations of the personal conduct policy.

He’ll sit in on team meetings during his suspension and won’t return until November 9th, which is actually the 10th week of the season.  San Francisco has a bye week in late October.

The Rams and 49ers play in week six, here in St. Louis, and then week 9 at San Francisco.  The 49ers also host the Chiefs in week five on October 5th.  You’re only real chance to see Smith play on TV this season (for those huge Aldon Smith fans), will be on Thanksgiving night when the Niners play Seattle on NBC in prime time.

Smith was sentenced in July to 11 days of work release after his second arrest for drunken driving last September. Smith had three felony gun charges knocked down to misdemeanors.  Smith voluntarily missed five games last season when he entered a substance abuse treatment center.