Dec 9, 2018; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon (10) carries the ball against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Photo Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Troubled wide receiver Josh Gordon was reinstated on a conditional basis by the NFL, the league announced on Friday.
Gordon will be able to rejoin the New England Patriots on Sunday and is eligible to play in the regular season.
Gordon was suspended on Dec. 20 for violating the terms of his previous reinstatement under the NFL substance abuse policy.
“We are all rooting for Josh to succeed, both personally and professionally,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Everyone shares in that hope and will continue to support him to every extent possible. But as Josh acknowledged, ultimately his success is up to him.”
The NFL said that Gordon won’t play in New England’s Aug. 22 preseason game against the Carolina Panthers because he hasn’t had “sufficient conditioning and practice.”
After breaking into the NFL with the Cleveland Browns in 2012 and making the Pro Bowl after the 2013 season, Gordon missed the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons due to suspensions related to substance abuse.
Gordon played in five games in 2017 after being reinstated. He played one game for Cleveland last year before being traded to the Patriots in September.
In 12 games last season, Gordon caught 41 passes for 737 yards and four touchdowns.
Gordon has played in just 52 NFL games while battling substance-abuse issues. He has 220 receptions for 3,826 yards and 19 touchdowns.
