San Francisco 49ers defensive end Aldon Smith underwent surgery for a torn labrum in his shoulder recently, an injury which occurred during the 2012 season, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
Aldon Smith injury: 49ers LB played 2 months with torn labrum
Aldon Smith’s sack numbers declined at the end of the 2012 season and a torn labrum may have been a reason why.
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Smith finished the season second in the NFL in sacks with 19.5, but his production dropped late in the season and the labrum injury may have been a big reason why. According to David Fucillo of Niners Nation, Smith first appeared on the injury report in Week 12. He recorded 15 sacks through the first 11 games of the season. Including the playoffs, he recorded 4.5 sacks over the remaining nine games after appearing on the injury report.
Many speculated Smith's production decline was a result of an injury suffered by defensive tackle Justin Smith, but both Smiths may have been playing through serious injury in the latter part of the season. There is no timetable for Smith's return, but according to Rapoport, Smith was recently seen without a brace. The 49ers may be cautious and hold Smith out of offseason workouts, but the injury isn't likely to be an issue by the time training camp begins.
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