Odell Thurman was been reinstated by the NFL after a two-year absence for violating the league's substance abuse policy, the Cincinnati Bengals announced Monday.

Thurman, the former University of Georgia linebacker, hasn't played an NFL game since 2005. He was first suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for four games in July 2006 after violating the drug policy.

"Odell has met the NFL's conditions for reinstatement and has been added to our offseason roster," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said in a press release. "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."

Thurman's original suspension turned it into the entire year two months later when Thurman, 24, was arrested on a DUI. Goodell didn't reinstate Thurman for the 2007 season and the reason was never disclosed.