St. Louis Rams head coach Jeff Fisher is preparing his team to face the San Francisco 49ers this weekend. But he's not preparing for 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith.
At least, Fisher doesn't think he should have to.
Smith is serving a nine-game suspension for violations of the NFL’s policies on substance abuse and personal conduct, but there has been chatter that Smith's suspension — which is slated to end after two more games — could be reduced by a game or two because of good behavior.
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Fisher believes the league needs to hurry up to make that decision if indeed Smith is going to be activated prior to Sunday's game.
“I think the league has a responsibility to inform us early enough in the week so we have a chance to game plan if that’s the case," Fisher said, per CSN Bay Area. "I would expect not to hear he would not be available for the game on Friday.”
The 49ers have 12 sacks — ninth-worst in the NFL — and have missed Smith's edge-rushing presence. His matchup this weekend, if he were to play, would be all the more interesting considering the season-ending injury to Rams left tackle Jake Long and that Long's replacement, Greg Robinson, will be making his first start at left tackle, kicking out from guard. Robinson's first NFL start came two weeks ago when these two teams met in St. Louis.
Fisher, who also serves on the league's competition committee, was asked if the Rams prepared for Smith up to this point.
“No, that’s out of our control," Fisher said. "We had discussion about it.”
Although he clearly would be annoyed if there was a late-week announcement that Smith could play. If he does suit up, Fisher said the 49ers would understand the task at hand.
“If he’s available, we have to block him,” Fisher said. “He’s an outstanding player. We played against him before. We have great respect for him. If the league sees its appropriate to reinstate him, we’ll have to play against him.”
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Eric Edholm is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at edholm@yahoo-inc.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Eric_Edholm
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