Aldon Smith formally files for reinstatement to the Raiders' active roster

Smith is serving a year-long substance abuse suspension

Oft-troubled Raiders pass-rushing ace Aldon Smith has formally asked the NFL for review to be reinstated from his year-long suspension, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation. He is awaiting final word from the league.

Smith has had repeated run-ins with the law during a brief but tumultuous career, and was suspended for at least a year last Nov. 17 for violating the substance abuse policy after being arrested for hit-and-run and drunk driving. He was permitted to apply for reinstatement within 60 days of Nov. 17, and has in fact done so. Some NFLPA sources are optimistic he could be playing for the Raiders in a matter of weeks, assuming he does not do anything to further endanger his playing status between now and then.

The Raiders have firmly stood behind Smith during his time there, with numerous team sources saying he has been a positive teammate and well-liked player after struggling with off-field issues with the 49ers. Smith re-signed with Oakland for two years in the spring, despite still being suspended at the time, and would be welcomed back if reinstated. Oakland is thriving this season due primarily to its offense, and Smith could provide needed bite and pass rush help, forming a potentially disruptive trio with Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin.

Smith, still just 27 years old, has posted historically significant sack totals during his career -- 47.5 sacks in 59 regular-season games. Before the season, a video emerged on a social media account linked to Smith that appeared to show someone possibly smoking marijuana -- which would be an obvious violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy. Smith denied the video was of him, and is hopeful of being able to rejoin his teammates soon.