Report: 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith could have 9-game ban reduced

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith could have his nine-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct and substance abuse polices reduced for good behavior.

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith's nine-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct and substance abuse policies could be reduced for good behavior, reports ESPN.com’s Chris Mortensen.

Smith was suspended before the season and his ban is set to end Nov. 10 after San Francisco plays the New Orleans Saints.

Pro Football Talk also reported during the weekend that Smith’s suspension could be reduced by one or two games, making it possible for him to play in Week 9 against the St. Louis Rams.

During his suspension, Smith has been allowed to attend meetings and work out, but he has not been allowed to practice.

Smith, 25, apologized to the 49ers and their fans after being handed the suspension before the season started.

Last season, Smith missed five games while undergoing treatment at an inpatient facility after a DUI arrest last September. He still recorded 8.5 sacks while playing in 11 games.

Smith pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of illegal possession of an assault weapon in November, the charges stemming from a June 2012 party at his home. No charges were filed when Smith was arrested April 13 at Los Angeles International Airport for allegedly making a bomb threat.

During his three NFL seasons, Smith has recorded 42 sacks in 43 games, becoming the fastest player in NFL history to reach at least 30.

San Francisco (4-3) has a bye this week before returning to action against the Rams.

- Scooby Axson

PHOTOS: NFL suspensions for 2014

NFL Suspensions for 2014

Wes Welker | WR, Denver Broncos

Damian Strohmeyer/SI

Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Josh Gordon | WR, Cleveland Browns

Carlos M. Saavedra/SI

Suspended the entire season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Ray Rice | RB, Baltimore Ravens

Simon Bruty/SI

Suspended two games for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Matt Prater | K, Denver Broncos

Daniel Gluskoter/Icon SMI

Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Robert Mathis | LB, Indianapolis Colts

David Bergman/SI

Suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.

Aldon Smith | LB, San Francisco 49ers

Robert Beck/SI

Suspended nine games for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Dwayne Bowe | WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Robert Beck/SI

Suspended one game for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Will Hill | S, Baltimore Ravens

William Purnell/Icon SMI

Suspended six games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Dion Jordan | DE, Miami Dolphins

Richard C. Lewis/Icon SMI

Suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.

Lane Johnson | OT, Philadelphia Eagles

Hunter Martin/Philadelphia Eagles/Getty Images

Suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.

Orlando Scandrick | CB, Dallas Cowboys

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.

Brandon Meriweather | S, Washington Redskins

Carlos M. Saavedra/SI

Suspended two games for an illegal hit.

Jerome Simpson | WR, Minnesota Vikings

Drew Hallowell/Philadelphia Eagles/Getty Images

Suspended three games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Josh Brent | NT, Dallas Cowboys

Tony Gutierrez/AP

Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Daryl Washington | LB, Arizona Cardinals

Bruce Yeung/Icon SMI

Suspended the entire season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Fred Davis | TE, Free Agent

Nick Wass/AP

Suspended indefinitely for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Stedman Bailey | WR, St. Louis Rams

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

Suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.

LaVon Brazill | WR, Free Agent

David Bergman/SI

Suspended the entire season for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.

Jayron Hosley | CB, New York Giants

Bill Kostroun/AP

Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Nigel Bradham | LB, Buffalo Bills

Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Suspended one game for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Jake Knott | LB, Free Agent

Al Tielemans/SI

Suspended four games for violating the league's performance-enhancing substances policy.

Jakar Hamilton | S, Dallas Cowboys

Rick Osentoski/AP

Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Frank Alexander | DE, Carolina Panthers

Mike McCarn/AP

Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Brandon Moore | DE, Free Agent

Chris Williams/Icon SMI

Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Rokevious Watkins | OT, Free Agent

Jeff Moffett/Icon SMI

Suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.