LEAGUE DEFERS DECISION TO REINSTATE SMITH

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

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Friday the league 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 suspended in November 2015 for violating the league’s policy on substance abuse. He was eligible to be reinstated on Nov. 17 and met with commissioner Roger Goodell earlier this month to make his case to return. But the league decided to wait instead.

Bennett signs extension

B renton, wash.» Michael Bennett and the Seahawks reached agreement on a three-year contract extension that will keep the defensive end under contract through the 2020 season.

Bennett’s deal begins with the 2018 season and is worth up to $31.5 million, including $16 million in the first year of the new contract.

Discipline issue for Bills

B orchard park, n.y.» Pro Bowl running back LeSean McCoy and star receiver Sammy Watkins believe the next Bills coach should hold players more accountable than Rex Ryan did the past two seasons in Buffalo.

“Discipline has been an issue,” McCoy said in his first public comments since the Bills fired Ryan on Tuesday.

McCoy cited players being late for meetings and missed assignments on the field as reasons for the Bills’ struggles.

Peterson out for finale

B minneapolis» Adrian Peterson is listed as out for the season finale against the Bears, leaving open the possibility the star running back has played his final game for the Vikings.

Peterson was listed has having groin and knee injuries.

Peterson is under contract for more than $18 million next season, and it is unlikely the Vikings will keep the 31-yearold player at that price.

Houston out for Chiefs

B kansas city, mo.» The Chiefs ruled out Justin Houston for Sunday’s game in San Diego with swelling in his surgically repaired left knee, throwing into question the four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher’s status for the playoffs.

• Two members of the Chiefs were docked a total of $30,385 for their actions in their victory over the Broncos last week. Defensive tackle Chris Jones was fined $18,231 for his forearm shiver to quarterback Trevor Siemian well after the ball was thrown. Tight end Demetrius Harris was docked $12,154 for using the football as a prop.