Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman has been reinstated by the NFL after sitting out two seasons for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

"Odell has met the NFL's conditions for reinstatement and has been added to our off-season roster," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said.

"It is now up to Odell to continue to meet all NFL guidelines, and to maintain a standard of personal responsibility that will allow him the chance to compete for a spot on our team."

The Bengals second round pick in the 2005 draft, Thurman had a team-high 148 tackles, four forced fumbles and five interceptions in his NFL rookie season.

He was first suspended by NFL commission Roger Goodell for four games in July 2006 for violations of the substance abuse policy.

The ban was extended to the entire year after Thurman was arrested on September 25 for drunk driving and later he admitted in court he is an alcoholic.

Thurman sought reinstatement for the 2007 season but had his request rejected.

Reuters