. >> new details this morning of the status of 49ers linebacker allen smith who will miss the next gale on thursday dealing with a substance abuse problem. abc7 news reporter matt keller has more from the headquarters. matt? >> we do not know how long allen smith is out but the leave is "indefinite." he seeks treatment after the d.u.i. arrest last week. he started yesterday in the game against the colts and had five tackles. the decision to play was criticized but the manager felt the best situation was to allow him to play and face the teammates and media to take responsibility for what he is doing. >> let it be known this is a problem and it is something i will get fixed and i will do everything in my power to make sure it never happens again. >> this is his second d.u.i. arrest and he is facing a lawsuit by people who claim they were shot while at a party at his house last year. this is a short week for the 49ers at training facility playing the rams on thursday with no timetable for smith's return to the team. >> you can watch thursday's 49ers game right here on abc7 news with cover

. >> the 49ers host the cardinals on thursday playing without star linebacker allen smith who announced he will go into rehab after getting arrested on suspected d.u.i. abc7 news reporter matt keller is at 49ers headquarters in santa clara. matt? >> the 49ers are struggling on-and-off the field as the team has a short week at their training facility as they get ready for thursday night's game. san jose police arrested aldon smith on friday after he crashed into a tree. that was second d.u.i. arrest. he addressed the media after playing yesterday against the colts. he apologized to his team and family and everyone he let down. he is taking an "indefinite" leave and seeking treatment. this is the right decision according to the fans. >> what he has done may have affected him mentally can his team mades, so, maybe the best thing for the team right now. >> hopefully he is not gone too long, get really and get healthy and come back as quick as possible. >> smith had five tackles yesterday in the game and the decision to play was widely criticized but the 49ers c.e.o. defended the move saying

linebacker allen. >> there is an opportunity to stair it in the face and whip it. that is our approach. >> the 49er organization is mum on what the rehabilitation will entail. step one is smith smith admitting a problem after sunday's game. >> i just want to let it be known this is a problem this is something i will get fixed and do everything to make sure this doesn't happen again. >> the niner organization deflected criticism over playing yesterday. >> to be able to face the media and take full responsibility for what he's doing. >> he says it will take time. >> i think first thing is having thoch understand whether people helping them out, what actions they're taking outside. >> speaking of the 49ers their new stadium is still 5,000 parking lots short of what it needs. the youth soccer field could be a good fit the city would have to move the field possibly to a natural area. opponents sate move would damage wetlands and disrupt a butterfly habitat and could unearth a burial ground. >> this is just a discussion that had a lot of options to look at. we've not picked one and won't until the council hears from the public. >> saying two other options include using parking spo