Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount, who was suspended for the season after punching a Boise State player in the wake of the season opener, has been allowed to rejoin the Ducks.

The university requested Blount's reinstatement, which was approved by Pacific-10 Conference commissioner Larry Scott.

Blount will be able to play for the No. 14 Ducks on Saturday night when they host Arizona State. He missed eight games.

Blount issued a statement saying he was grateful to Oregon coach Chip Kelly for giving him a "second chance."

"Now it is up to me to prove to people that their lasting impressions of me are not what they saw in Boise," he said.

Blount punched Byron Hout on the field at Boise State following the loss, bringing the Broncos defensive end to his knees. The next day he was suspended for the season by Kelly, but he was allowed to keep his scholarship and practice with the team.

Kelly later said that if Blount met certain academic and behavioral conditions, he would be allowed to return. The earliest possible date for his reinstatement was last Saturday's game against Stanford, but the Ducks waited until this week to bring him back.

Kelly recommended Blount's reinstatement to athletic director Mike Bellotti on Sunday night. It was approved by university President Richard Lariviere before being turned over to the conference for approval.

Blount said in his statement released by the university that he would not speak to reporters.

"Until that time, I feel my actions can speak louder than anything I could say. I just want to help my teammates who have been supportive of me," his statement said.