Patriots WR Gordon reinstated
He can rejoin team but not practicing yet
Josh Gordon’s winding career has included several second chances after a trail of multiple drug suspensions that cast doubt whether the talented playmaker would get on an NFL field again. He’s getting yet another opportunity. The NFL conditionally reinstated the Patriots wide receiver Friday.
NFL 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.”
Gordon 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, and missed the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons.
After being reinstated in 2017, Gordon revealed in an interview with GQ magazine that he drank or used marijuana before games.
The Browns traded Gordon to the Patriots in September. He had 40 receptions for 720 yards and three touchdowns with the Patriots.
Jets
A person familiar with the nature of the injury says linebacker Avery Williamson has a torn knee ligament that will keep him out for the season. Williamson injured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the second quarter of the team’s 22-10 preseason win against the Atlanta Falcons Aug. 8 at Atlanta. He led the team with 159 tackles last season.
Bengals
Guard Christian Westerman has left the team to ponder his future, another setback to an offensive line depleted by injuries and retirements. The fourthyear veteran was part of a four-man competition to replace starting left guard Clint Boling, who retired shortly before camp started. The Bengals thought they had fixed their line problems by drafting left tackle Jonah Williams in the first round. He is out for the season with a shoulder injury.