Josh Gordon Reinstated By NFL, Can Return Vs. Patriots In Week 5
BOSTON (CBS) -- Tom Brady won't be the only player returning from suspension when the Patriots visit the Browns this coming October.
The NFL announced Monday that Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been reinstated on a conditional basis. Gordon had been suspended for the entirety of the 2015 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
"As we discussed at our meeting, as Commissioner, I want nothing more than to see you turn your circumstances around and succeed," Goodell wrote to Gordon in the letter of reinstatement. "Countless others including your agent, teammates and coaches, Mr. Haslam and the leadership of the organization, the Program professionals and Jim Brown also have pledged to provide you with every resource at their disposal. But as you acknowledged, ultimately, your future is your responsibility. I have every belief that you can make the right choices, but it will be up to you to do so."
Gordon, 25, broke out in a big way in his second NFL season in 2013, when he led the league with 1,646 receiving yards in just 14 games. He also caught nine touchdowns on 87 receptions that year, and in his career he's caught 161 passes for 2,754 yards and 14 touchdowns in 35 games.
Unlike Brady, Gordon will be permitted to be with his team and attend meetings during his four-game suspension, but he will not be allowed to participate in practice.
It's a big story nationally, but for the Patriots it means the game-plan for that Week 5 matchup just got a bit more difficult.
