Goodell: NFL Still Vetting Aldon Reinstatement Application, No Timetable

ALAMEDA – NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and other league officials have recently met with Raiders edge rusher Aldon Smith, but still haven’t ruled on his application for reinstatement.

He has been banished as a repeat offender of the league’s substance abuse policy, though he has been eligible for reinstatement since Nov. 17.

Goodell hasn’t acted Smith’s application for reinstatement, but responded to a question about the edge rusher’s status during a Wednesday press conference at an NFL owners meeting in Texas.

He was asked if it’s realistic if Smith could be back in time to play during the regular season or the playoffs.

Goodell said there is no timetable for a ruling on Smith, and that information regarding Smith’s case is still being vetted.

“I think it was good for us to be able to meet with Aldon, to hear from him directly and hear from his representative. The union was also represented there,” Goodell said. “We’re going through all of the information to make sure we have it all absolutely accurate, and that we understand exactly where he is in the process of trying to get himself in a position where he has his life in order enough to resume an NFL career.

“It was good for me to hear from him personally. When we get to that (final) decision, we’ll certainly announce it.”

The Raiders have three games remaining, including Sunday’s contest at San Diego. They could clinch a playoff spot by beating the Chargers.

Smith is in great physical shape and wouldn’t need much practice time before being ready to play.

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