League declines to reinstate Smith until 2017

Suspended Raiders pass rusher Aldon Smith will not be reinstated by the NFL this season.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Friday the league has deferred a decision on Smith’s petition for reinstatement and will begin consideration in March. Pro Football Talk first reported the decision by the league.

Smith had been sus- pended in November 2015 for violating the league’s policy on substance abuse. He was eligible to be reinstated Nov. 17 and met with commissioner Roger Goodell earlier this month to make his case to return. But the league has decided to wait instead.

Oakland coach Jack Del Rio clearly was not pleased with the league’s choice to put off a decision until 2017.

“Little disappointed, honestly,” Del Rio said. “Obviously it’s not my job to make a ruling, but from everything I’ve gathered he’s done his duty to take care of all the things he needs to take care of.”

TITANS: Quarterback Marcus Mariota watched his teammates practice for their season finale less than 48 hours after having surgery on his broken right leg.

He had a plate surgically inserted Wednesday to support the right fibula.

“We’re glad to have him back,” Titans coach Mike Mularkey said. “It didn’t surprise me. I wish he was dressed a little warmer. But it doesn’t surprise me. He wanted to finish that game, and he wanted to finish the season with his teammates.”

BILLS: Cornerback Stephon Gilmore has been ruled out for Sunday’s season finale against the Jets due to a concussion. He had started all 15 games this season and is set to become a free agent after the season.

COLTS: Outside linebacker Robert Mathis announced he will retire following the season finale against the Jaguars. Mathis spent all 14 of his NFL seasons with the Colts and his 122 career sacks are a franchise record.