All-Pro OLB Aldon Smith had shoulder surgery "a few weeks ago" repairing a torn labrum, according to a report by the NFL Network.
Smith ended his second season in the last six straight games without recording a sack, which began three weeks after he appeared on the team's injury report after Week 11 against the Chicago Bears. Since Smith had come off a game of 5.5 sacks, he only registered 4.5 in the next three games before finishing with a drought, including the entire postseason.
The slump partially had to do with Justin Smith going down against the New England Patriots in Week 15 with a torn triceps tendon. With Justin Smith being ineffective since the injury, Aldon Smith struggled to find passing lanes to rush the quarterback.
Aldon Smith finished the 2012 season with 19.5 sacks, good for second in the NFL behind Houston DE J.J. Watt. He said his shoulder injury was a “stinger” which he suffered during the 5.5 sack performance against the Bears.
A team spokesman declined comment on Smith’s reported surgery, citing the team’s policy of not discussing injuries.
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