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It was a little more than a year ago that Oakland Raiders pass rusher Aldon Smith was suspended for a year for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Now, he is getting ready to gear up for a return.

Smith told the Associated Press he will return. "Hopefully, soon," he said while seated courtside at Thursday night's Golden State Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game. "I'll be back in two weeks, you can ask me all the questions then," he added.

Smith signed with the Raiders last September after being released by the 49ers following his third DUI and fifth arrest in three years. Smith's August arrest, which resulted in his being charged with hit and run, DUI and vandalism, followed arrests for two other DUIs, as well as felony assault weapons charges (later reduced to misdemeanors) and a (later dropped) charge of false report of a bomb threat.

He was in the midst of an excellent season for the Raiders at the time of his ban -- he had 28 tackles, three passes defensed, four sacks, five hits and 27 hurries (a total of 36 pressures, eighth most among 3-4 outside linebackers at the time). The Raiders, currently 28th in the NFL in sacks and 23rd in pressure rate despite offseason moves to beef up the pass rush, so they can use Smith's help.

His return is not definite, as he has to apply for reinstatement by the league. The Raiders supported him in a public statement at the time of the suspension last season, but it also remains to be seen if he will be welcomed back by the team if reinstated.