Embattled Patriots WR Gordon wins reinstatement
BOSTON — Josh Gordon’s winding career has included several second chances after a trail of multiple drug suspensions that cast doubt whether the talented but troubled playmaker would get on an NFL field again.
He is getting yet another opportunity.
The NFL conditionally reinstated the Patriots wide receiver Friday.
Commissioner Roger Goodell notified Gordon that on Sunday, Gordon can rejoin the team for meetings and conditioning and individual workouts. After that, according to a league statement, “Subject to appropriate progress on clinical care and other arrangements, he will be permitted to participate in team activities, including practice.”
But Gordon is barred from next Thursday’s game because of a lack of sufficient conditioning and practice time.
The former Baylor wide receiver from Houston had been suspended indefinitely since December 2018 for violations of the league’s substance abuse policy.
Gordon has been suspended several times by the NFL for violations of its drug policies since being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2012. He missed the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons.
Now he will return to a Patriots environment in which he was mostly insulated last season and even flourished in their highly disciplined culture.
Gordon’s outlook certainly improved last season after a September trade when the Browns felt it was time to cut ties. He had 40 receptions for 720 yards and three touchdowns with the Patriots, five years removed from an All-Pro season in 2013 with 87 catches for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns.