League reinstates Gordon

Josh Gordon’s winding career has included several second chances following a trail of multiple drug suspensions that cast doubt whether the talented but troubled playmaker would ever get on an NFL field again.

He’s getting yet another opportunity. The NFL conditionally reinstated the Patriots receiver on 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. Gordon had been suspended indefinitely since December 2018 for violations of the league’s substance abuse policy.

Williamson to miss season for Jets

The New York Jets will be without playmaking linebacker Avery Williamson for the season because of a knee injury.

A person familiar with the nature of the injury told the Associated Press that Williamson tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the second quarter of the team’s 22-10 preseason win at Atlanta on Thursday night. An MRI on Friday revealed the nature and severity of the injury, according to the source who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team did not make an announcement.

Etc.

Cincinnati guard Christian Westerman left the Bengals to ponder his future, another setback to an offensive line depleted by injuries and retirements. Westerman was placed on an exempt list Friday but could return . ... Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera rested quarterback Cam Newton and four other key starters in Friday’s 27-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills.