The San Francisco 49ers activated outside linebacker Aldon Smith to the 53-man roster on Wednesday. Smith was given a roster exemption when he left the team for rehab after a DUI arrest in September. Smith recently returned to the team and is considered ready to play by most, so it makes sense that he'd be added to the official roster. There's no indication that the NFL will issue any kind of suspension due to the self-imposed punishment given by the 49ers.
Here's what else you might have missed from Wednesday:
Rodgers out 4-6 weeks
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers could miss 4-6 weeks due to his collarbone injury. His return is complicated by a shortened week on Thanksgiving, which coincides with the earliest date he could return. The team has a few easy games coming up on the schedule, but as the Packers are in a three-way tie for the NFC North lead, the loss of their franchise quarterback is worrying nonetheless.
More on the Incognito-Martin mess
In something of a surprise twist, multiple Miami Dolphins players came out in support of offensive lineman Richie Incognito on Wednesday. Some players were even angry with Jonathan Martin, suggesting that Incognito is a great teammate and that Martin previously had joked about many of the things he is now complaining about. Suffice to say this is a confusing situation.
Former NFL players diagnosed with CTE
A three-month UCLA study revealed that NFL Hall of Famers Tony Dorsett and Joe DeLamielleure, as well as All-Pro Leonard Marshall have been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy. CTE is a degenerative brain condition caused by a build-up of abnormal proteins that attack the center of the brain, which controls memory and emotional functions, as well as some ancillary processes. It's believed that repeated head injuries cause the condition.
Phillips named interim head coach
The Houston Texans have named Wade Phillips their interim head coach while Gary Kubiak recovers from his transient ischemic attack. There is no timetable for Kubiak's return, but Phillips has extensive experience as a head coach and the 2-6 team should be in good hands until his return.
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