Clean slate: Browns’ Gordon reinstated on conditions

CLEVELAND » Josh Gordon’s personal journey, from star to suspended outcast to sobriety, has reached a new dawning.

He’s getting yet another chance his football career and life.

Cleveland’s gifted wide receiver has been conditionally reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who met with the Browns former Pro Bowler on Wednesday in New York and is allowing him to return after a nearly three-year absence.

Gordon, who hasn’t played since the 2014 season, can immediately join the team for meetings, engage in conditioning work and individual workouts. He has to comply with requirements set forth by Goodell and can begin practicing with the team on Nov. 20. to resurrect

The 26-year-old will be eligible — at the team’s discretion — to return to active status on Nov. 27 or remain on the commissioner’s exempt list for an additional week before returning to active status.

“As emphasized at today’s meeting, everyone — including Josh’s teammates and coaches, the Browns’ ownership and organization, the program professionals and all of us at the league office — want him to have every opportunity to resume his career and to be successful in the NFL,” Goodell said. “Whether that happens, however, at the end of the day will depend on Josh.

“His commitment to sobriety and to reaching his goals in football and beyond will determine his success. It ultimately is up to Josh.”

If he abides by Goodell’s stipulations, Gordon could play in Cleveland’s final five games this season, beginning with a Dec. 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Pats sign Hoyer as Brady’s backup

FOXBOROUGH, MASS. » Tom Brady didn’t go without a backup for long. The Patriots signed former 49ers quarterback Brian Hoyer to fill the role, a day after Hoyer was released by San Francisco following its acquisition of Jimmy Garoppolo in a trade with New England.

Hoyer began his career as Brady’s backup in New England in 2009, and has spent time with seven teams during his nine-year career.

He started the first six games this season for the 49ers before being benched for C.J. Beathard. Hoyer now returns to back up a quarterback in Brady that has been one of the most durable signal callers in the league during his career.

Rivera: Panthers traded Benjamin to get more speed on field

CHARLOTTE, N.C. » Coach Ron Rivera said the Panthers traded No. 1 receiver Kelvin Benjamin so they could get younger, faster players on the field.

Rivera said Wednesday that starting receivers Benjamin and Devin Funchess had “similar skill sets,” and the Panthers wanted players who are vertical threats in the game because “we haven’t stretched the field this year.”

Benjamin and Funchess are both considered tall possession receivers, but aren’t incredibly fast.