Aldon Smith Files for NFL Reinstatement: Latest Comments and Reaction

Oakland Raiders pass-rusher Aldon Smith has reportedly filed for reinstatement to the NFL, with his yearlong suspension for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy set to end Nov. 17. 

Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie confirmed the news to Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle Wednesday night and said acceptance or refusal of Smith's reinstatement is up to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Per Tafur, Smith completed rehab, and McKenzie is hopeful the league takes the former Pro Bowler's dedication under consideration:

"

Aldon is working out and getting ready. He is in a great place and that's the main thing. Whether Goodell lets him out or not, that's the important thing—that he's healthy and happy. But I would hope that we as a league reward a guy—with stipulations—who goes through the right steps and wants to get better and get his life in order.

"

Bleacher Report's Jason Cole reported there is no timetable for a decision: 

According to Spotrac, Smith was suspended for nine games in 2014 with the San Francisco 49ers for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy. In November 2015, the NFL handed him a one-year ban for violating its substance-abuse policy.

Smith has been arrested on numerous occasions since entering the NFL, including an August 2015 incident that saw him plead not guilty to hit-and-run, drunken driving and vandalism charges. He was also arrested at Los Angeles International Airport in 2014 for allegedly falsely reporting a bomb threat.

According to Tafur, Smith entered rehab in July after a video on social media appeared to show him smoking marijuana, although he denied he was the person in the video.

When on the field, the 27-year-old former first-round pick out of Missouri makes life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. He has 47.5 career sacks in 59 games, including 19.5 in a 2012 season in which he made the All-Pro First Team.

Smith registered 28 tackles and 3.5 sacks in nine games with the Raiders last season before getting suspended. His potential return could be a huge boost for the AFC West leaders.

Oakland already has one of the NFL's best pass-rushers in Khalil Mack. Placing Smith across from him could form the league's most fearsome duo for opposing quarterbacks.

The Raiders are attempting to earn their first postseason berth since 2002, and an in-form Smith could take them from a potential playoff team to a possible Super Bowl contender.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.