NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE NOTES

Goodell: Gordon's return 'not under active consideration'

Josh Gordon's return to the Browns from an NFL suspension remains uncertain. The former Pro Bowl wide receiver hasn't played in the regular season since 2014. He was due to return from a four-game suspension at the start of last season before being banned indefinitely last year for multiple violations of the league's substance abuse policy. Commissioner Roger Goodell provided little information Thursday when he was asked during a fan forum if Gordon will be re-instated before this season. "That's not under active consideration, to my knowledge," Goodell said. "At least hasn't gotten to my desk yet." While Gordon's unpredictable future has deprived the Browns of a proven playmaker, the team's main concern is the 26-year-old's health and well-being. "A lot gets focused on Josh the player, but we are arm and arm with the league," said Sashi Brown, the team's vice president of football operations. "I think the most important thing for Josh is for Josh as a young man to get himself to a point where he gets past some of the issues that have prevented him from being able to participate and once we get to that stage, those questions will be answered in terms of his return to the field. "But we care first and foremost in the league about the young man and that's where the focus will remain until we get to that point." Gordon spent part of training camp with the Browns last summer and played in exhibition games before leaving the team and entering rehab. He was on the cusp of returning from a four-game suspension in October when Goodell suspended Gordon again. His days in Cleveland appeared over as coach Hue Jackson indicated the team had moved on from him. However, the Browns seem more receptive to Gordon rejoining them once — and if — he's cleared by league protocol. Gordon petitioned for reinstatement earlier this year and was denied. He can reapply in September. Gordon, who had issues with marijuana in college at Baylor, was poised for superstardom in 2013 when he led the league with 1,646 receiving yards.

Former Patriot Lester Williams dies

The New England Patriots say former nose tackle Lester Williams, who started in the franchise's first Super Bowl appearance during the 1985 season, has died. He was 58.

The team says Williams died at home on Wednesday in Birmingham, Alabama.

The 27th overall pick in the 1982 NFL draft, Williams played in 40 games for the Patriots from 1982 to 1985. He also played one season for San Diego (1986) and Seattle (1987). For the Patriots, he had 39 solo tackles, 60 assists, five sacks and three fumble recoveries.