Johnny Jolly Applies For Reinstatement

Jolly would add to the Packers defensive line depth if reinstated.

Suspended Green Bay Packers defensive end [intlink id=”205″ type=”category”]Johnny Jolly[/intlink], who was eligible to apply for reinstatement after the Super Bowl, has done just that.

Jolly’s agent, Brian Overstreet, told the Press Gazette he’s in the process of filing the appropriate paperwork with the league and is hopeful the suspension will end. Jolly was suspended indefinitely for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Jolly is under contract with the Packers because he signed a one-year tender as a restricted free agent, last offseason. The contract will kick in once Jolly is reinstated and the Packers are apparently open to bringing him back.

“They’ve been very supportive of him this whole ride,” Overstreet said. “So I’d be surprised if that didn’t happen. But you know, Johnny realizes that he has some responsibilities in this and to make sure that he does that. But they’ve been nothing but supportive of Johnny his entire career, even with this.”

Jolly had a career year for the Packers in 2009, when he started all 16 games, recording 39 tackles, a sack, forced fumble and interception, in addition to knocking down 10 passes.

If Jolly is reinstated, it could spell the end of [intlink id=”163″ type=”category”]Cullen Jenkins[/intlink]’ Packers career. Jenkins is without a contract for 2011 and will likely command more money than the Packers are willing to offer if he hits the open market.