Defensive back Rashard Anderson, the Carolina Panthers veteran serving a one-year suspension for a repeat violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy, is hopeful that he will be reinstated by the league this week.

The one-year anniversary of the stiff sanction levied against Anderson passed last Friday, and the former Jackson State standout actually met with league officials and doctors two weeks ago in New York, potentially the final step before his exile is lifted.

"We are hopeful," said Anderson's agent, Ben Wilson. "So far all signs are positive, but the final word lies with the commissioner. We're hoping to hear something soon."

Even if he is reinstated, there are no guarantees Anderson will be welcomed back by the Panthers, who selected him with a first-round choice in the 2000 draft. Team officials are precluded by league confidentiality guidelines from discussing Anderson's case and, as of last week, still had not received official word of his status.

One team official acknowledged at last week's league meetings in Philadelphia he knew Anderson had what he termed "his day in court (recently)," but insisted he didn't know when commissioner Paul Tagliabue would render a decision. Given the number of off-field problems the Panthers have experienced over the past three years, ownership has taken a much harder stance, and coach John Fox is noted as a disciplinarian.

Under the structure of substance abuse policy, Anderson had to have experienced at least three positive tests to have merited the one-year suspension.

Anderson, 25, started just nine games in his first two seasons with the Panthers, and the coaches were never quite certain whether his best position was cornerback or safety. He had 59 tackles, one interception and six passes defensed.

Beyond an evaluation of his progress in substance abuse treatment, the Panthers likely will have to take into account Anderson's physical condition before deciding whether he returns to the team. Even before the suspension, Anderson suffered a neck injury last year that threatened his 2002 season, and Carolina officials will want to examine that as well.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.