Odell Thurman is back.  Can he stay back?  Can he have the impact on the Bengal's defense that Bengals fans are hoping for? 

Odell Thurman has had a long road to get back to the NFL.  After sitting out the last two seasons, he has finally been reinstated today by the NFL.  That means that Thurman will be allowed to play this season for the Cincinnati Bengals just as long as he can keep his personal affairs in line.  Thurman was originally suspended for the '06 season after violating the league's substance abuse policy. He then proceeded to violate his court ordered probation last year.  As a result of his additional off field offense, the NFL tacked another year’s suspension onto his previous suspension.

Thurman proved to be an extremely effective Linebacker for the Bengals in his rookie season.  Odell Thurman as a rookie played in all 16 games for the Bengals.  He racked up 69 solo tackles and 105 total tackles.  He had 5 interceptions including one that he returned for a touchdown.  He gave the Bnegals the swagger they had been missing.

The big question for Bengals fans regarding Odell Thurman is whether he will be able to regain his rookie year performance and can he stay out of trouble off the field.  Odell will be competing for a starting role in the Bengals defense.  Only time will tell how much of an impact this might have on the Bengals defense.  If Thurman can regain his edge, he could have a major impact for the Bengals. 

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