All-Pro LB Aldon Smith rejoins 49ers with commitment to NFL, team, himself to stay clean

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith fields questions in the team's NFL football practice facility on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013, in Santa Clara, Calif. Smith missed the past five games while undergoing treatment for substance abuse. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (The Associated Press)

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith fields questions in the team's NFL football practice facility Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013, in Santa Clara, Calif. Smith missed the past five games while undergoing treatment for substance abuse. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (The Associated Press)

Part of the process for San Francisco 49ers All-Pro linebacker Aldon Smith to rejoin the team following a monthlong stint in rehab included a verbal commitment to the NFL that he would stay out of trouble and keep clean.

Smith returned to the 49ers locker room after his long absence and five missed games to cheers from teammates who chanted his first name.

Smith was activated to the 53-man roster from the non-football injury list Thursday, two days after he turned himself in to Santa Clara County authorities as he faces weapons charges.

The fearsome pass-rusher is in shape despite a couple of extra pounds gained during his stint at an in-patient treatment facility for substance abuse. He was outside California.

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org