Aldon Smith still hasn't met with Goodell, Raiders not counting on return

Smith was suspended last year for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy

Last year, Raiders pass-rusher Aldon Smith was suspended indefinitely for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Per NFL rules, Smith was allowed to apply for reinstatement after one year, which he has done.

As of this time, Smith is still waiting for a meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell -- or alternately, a ruling from him -- on his status, and the Raiders reportedly are not counting on him to be back with the team this season.

Time is ticking on #Raiders OLB Aldon Smith & the team is not counting on his return. With just a month to go, sources feel it's unlikely.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 4, 2016

#Raiders OLB Aldon Smith has done all his meetings, extended rehab 60 more days. Wants to meet with Goodell, but nothing scheduled as of yet

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 4, 2016

Smith has been suspended for violating the substance abuse policy before, back in 2014, when he missed nine games as a member of the San Francisco 49ers. He has sought treatment for drug and/or alcohol issues multiple times, first in 2013 when he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana and then again after his latest suspension.

The Raiders stated at the time that Smith was suspended that they would welcome him back with open arms if and when he was reinstated. He played extremely well for them in nine games in 2015 before the suspension.