SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Linebacker Aldon Smith is active for the San Francisco 49ers for the first time since Week 3 following a five-week stint in treatment for substance abuse.
Also back for the reigning NFC champion Niners on Sunday against Carolina is wide receiver Mario Manningham, who has been sidelined since last December after undergoing left knee surgery. Running back LaMichael James, someone coach Jim Harbaugh wants to get back into the mix, was back on the 53-man roster after being inactive the three previous games.
Cornerback Eric Wright was inactive for the 49ers, who activated him from the reserve/non-football injury list last Monday.
For the Panthers, defensive tackle Sione Fua was moved to the offensive side to play guard — switching uniform numbers from 94 to 72.
