NFL commissioner Roger Goodell notified suspended defensive tackle Tank Johnson on Thursday that he can begin practicing with the Dallas Cowboys immediately, but that his eight-game suspension would not be reduced, the NFL Network's Adam Schefter reported.
Johnson, who officially applied for reinstatement last week, is eligible to play Nov. 11 against the New York Giants. His first practice with the Cowboys will be Friday.
Johnson, who signed a two-year contract with the Cowboys last month, is serving the eight-game suspension for violating probation on a gun charge, one of several run-ins with the law that led the Chicago Bears to release him in June.
Goodell had previously said he'd consider reducing the suspension to six games for Johnson, who has been working out at the Cowboys facility, and has been in regular contact with Goodell.
"We all make mistakes," Goodell said last week. "And now he can be someone that really demonstrates to people that you can make a turnaround in your life. You can do things right."
