A couple of readers asked us on Friday about rumors that Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman is back in the building, working out at the team’s facility.

Though such rumors are not accurate, we’ve learned in the process of getting the answer that Thurman will be conditionally reinstated on March 1.  He’ll be able to participate in the offseason conditioning and workout program.  If he stays on the right side of the substance-abuse policy, he’ll eventually be able to play football in 2008.

Thurman was suspended for a year in 2006, and his first effort at reinstatement was unsuccessful.

It’s very good news for the Bengals, who are in dire need of linebackers.  Within the next few weeks, they should also find out whether David Pollack, the team’s first-round pick in 2005, will be able to return in 2008.  Thurman was a second-round pick that same year.