Smith Eligible To Play Sunday For Raiders
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Oakland Raiders newly-acquired linebacker Aldon Smith will be eligible to play in this Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Despite off-field issues, Raiders' Aldon Smith IS eligible to play Sunday, per source. OAK will consider playing him, based on conditioning.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 11, 2015
Smith was released by the San Francisco 49ers in August after the linebacker was arrested for his third DUI since coming into the league in 2011.
When Smith is on the field, he is one of the best pass rushers in the game. With second year linebacker Khalil Mack and veteran Justin Tuck on the defensive line, the Raiders' pass rush will be much improved with the addition of the All-Pro linebacker.
It is unclear if and when Smith will be suspended, but until that ruling comes down from the NFL, the Raiders should have him on the field every week.
Because of a nine game suspension for violating the league's Personal Conduct and Substances of Abuse policy, Smith played in just seven games for the 49ers last season.
The last time Smith was on the field for the entire season was back in 2012. During that season, the linebacker has 19.5 sacks and was named to the All-Pro team.
Unfortunately for Smith, his off the field issues have kept him off the field for a large chunk of the last two seasons.
On a one-year contract, the signing of Smith is a low-risk, high reward move for the Silver and Black.
