The Oakland Raiders will be without linebacker Aldon Smith for an entire season, as the NFL has suspended the pass rusher.
The news was first reported by Adam Schefter. Schefter reports Smith's suspension stems from an August arrest. He was arrested for an August 7th incident that resulted in him being charged with a DUI. Rand Getlin reports that Smith's suspension is for substance abuse, which stems from that DUI charge.
The Raiders signed Smith in early October, roughly a month the 49ers cut him following the August arrest. The Raiders are expected to stick with Smith through his suspension.
The former first round pick has immense talent, evidenced by his 33.5 sacks in his first two seasons. However, Smith has had issues staying out of trouble during his NFL career. His August arrest was his fifth in three years. He was suspended for nine games during the 2014 season.
Smith had recorded 28 tackles and 3.5 sacks with Oakland this year. With Smith out, the Raiders will likely turn to Ray-Ray Armstrong or Neiron Ball. Both are listed as backups at outside linebacker. Neither has the pass rushing ability of Smith, so the Raiders could look to add a free agent pass rusher as the team makes its playoff push.
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