It looks as if former Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds will be able to play in the NFL.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus' office issued a statement Friday morning saying Mabus has submitted requests for Reynolds, a Ravens draft pick, and Joe Cardona, another former Navy player who spent the 2015 NFL season with the New England Patriots, to be allowed to “satisfy their remaining commissioned service obligation in the Ready Reserve so they can pursue careers in professional sports.”

The statement said the requests have been submitted to the office of the secretary of defense for final approval, and Mabus strongly recommended they be granted.

“Approval of these requests will provide the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy significant favorable exposure, enhance national recruiting and serve as a positive ongoing contribution to DoD public affairs efforts,” Mabus said in a memo accompanying the requests, according to the statement. “Commissioning and appointment in the Ready Reserve is the best option for Midshipman Reynolds and Ens. Cardona due to the time and commitment required for the unique opportunity of playing in the National Football League.”

The news was first reported on “The Dan Patrick Show” on Friday after Mabus called the show's producers to inform them of his decision.

“Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus has approved Keenan Reynolds' request to play for the Ravens this season,” a producer read as part of the breaking news segment on the show. “He also approved Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona's request to continue in the NFL.”

Mabus, who recently talked about the situation as a guest on the show, told producers he has already informed Cardona and Reynolds of the decision.

Mabus, who is in Nepal, also passed the news along to Patriots owner Robert Kraft and coach Bill Belichick, as well as to Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti and coach John Harbaugh via phone calls.

Che Mock, Reynolds' agent, was pleased to hear the news. Contacted early in the morning on the West Coast, Mock said he had not spoken with Reynolds about the report.

“Naturally, we were hoping this would be the outcome. We are thrilled to hear the news and very glad the secretary of the Navy is recognizing there is an opportunity to still serve while having this platform to play in the NFL and promote the Navy,” Mock said.

Former Navy fullback Chris Swain also has been offered the opportunity to exchange his five-year military commitment for eight years in the Navy Reserve, his agent said. Brooks Henderson said Swain, who signed with the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent, has not decided whether to accept.

Swain, who like Reynolds is due to graduate from the Naval Academy on May 27, is participating in the Chargers' rookie minicamp this weekend.

Choosing the Navy Reserve is a risk if either Reynolds or Swain does not make an NFL roster. Sources told the Baltimore Sun Media Group that the decision is not reversible and therefore they could not return to active duty.

Cardona received a four-year contract worth $2.47 million from the Patriots in June.

As a sixth-round draft pick, Reynolds is in line for a similar deal that could come with a healthy signing bonus.

Contacted via text message by the Baltimore Sun Media Group on Friday, Cardona declined to comment until Secretary of Defense Ash Carter officially approved the reserve option. Cardona is serving aboard the USS Zumwalt, a guided-missile destroyer. Cardona said via text that he will remain focused on his duties as an officer until he is formally notified of a change to his service requirements.

Reynolds is one of only two members of the Ravens' NFL draft class who have not signed with the team. Mock said the uncertainty of the rookie's availability in 2016 had held up contract talks.

Ravens publicist Kevin Byrne said the team would have no comment until it is final and official that Reynolds will be allowed to pursue professional football full time this eason.