In what could be the first step towards his return, Raiders outside linebacker Aldon Smith met with commissioner Roger Goodell and other league officials today, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). However, no decision will be made today. Since the business week ends today, it sounds like we will not have a verdict on Smith until Monday at the earliest. The timetable for the league’s ruling is not immediately clear. 
[RELATED: No Deadline For Aldon Smith Decision]
Smith has had multiple run-ins with the league’s substance abuse policy and his latest slip-up led to him spending roughly four months in a rehab clinic. Under the terms of his suspension, Smith was eligible to apply for reinstatement on October 3rd in advance of his ban ending on November 17th. We’re now several weeks past that possible return date and the league has done little to advance his case. Today could be a breakthrough for the defensive star.
After last night’s loss to the Chiefs, the Raiders have slid to second place in the AFC West. Getting Smith back could help Oakland regain the divisional crown and make a strong postseason push.
goodell should reinstate aldon smith, im not just saying that because I’m a raider fan. but because he served his time and he should be allowed to play again. Goodell lets his power go to his head sometimes.