League: Ruling on Smith in 2017

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

League spokesman Brian McCarthy said Friday that the NFL 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 was suspended 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. Colts’ Mathis to retire: Colts outside linebacker Robert Mathis announced he will retire following Sunday’s game against the Jaguars.

Mathis, 35, spent all 14 of his NFL seasons with the Colts but has battled injuries each of the last three seasons. His 122 career sacks are a franchise record. Peterson won’t play: Running back Adrian Peterson will not suit up in the Vikings’ season finale against the Bears.

Peterson, dealing with knee and groin injuries, did not practice this week. He played 12 snaps in his Dec. 18 return from September knee surgery and has not played since.

Other Vikings starters being held out are receiver Stefon Diggs (hip), safety Andrew Sendejo (knee) and guard Alex Boone (lower back). Romo may play: The Cowboys reportedly have changed course and are planning to get some playing time for quarterback Tony Romo before the regular season ends.

The Cowboys did not immediately confirm the ESPN report. Team owner Jerry Jones previously had said the risks to playing Romo outweighed any benefit of getting him into a game to improve his sharpness in case he’s needed during the postseason.

Romo has not played all season after suffering a preseason back injury that gave an opportunity to rookie Dak Prescott. Extra points: Lions RB Theo Riddick (wrist) was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Packers . ... DE Michael Bennett reached agreement with the Seahawks on a three-year contract extension that will keep him in Seattle through the 2020 season . ... The Chiefs ruled LB Justin Houston out against the Chargers because of swelling in his surgically repaired left knee, throwing into question the four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher’s availability for the playoffs. Houston also was inactive last week . ... RB Matt Forte (knee) was placed on injured reserve, officially ending his first season with the Jets. Forte rushed for a team-leading — but careerlow — 813 yards . ... Bears rookie LB Leonard Floyd (concussion) likely will miss the season finale against the Vikings after sitting out practice all week . ... Seahawks CB Jeremy Lane was fined $27,236 for an uncalled hit on Cardinals TE Jermaine Gresham, who was docked $12,154 for taunting after the play . ... Chiefs DT Chris Jones was fined $18,231 for his forearm shiver to Broncos QB Trevor Siemian well after the ball was thrown.