Cleveland WR Gordon denied reinstatement

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon won’t be back in the NFL anytime soon.

Gordon reportedly has been denied reinstatement by the NFL but the decision has not been announced publicly. He can reapply for reinstatement in the fall.

Gordon has been suspended several times by the league, including the current ban for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He also was suspended for 10 games in 2014, then for the 2015 season, all for substance abuse violations.

Now 26, Gordon rejoined the Browns in the summer of 2016, then entered a rehabilitation facility in September.

He appeared days away from returning to Cleveland’s roster but voluntarily entered the facility, saying he wanted to “gain full control of my life and continue on a path to reach my full potential as a person.” He completed a 30-day stay for an unspecified condition.

After leading the NFL in yards receiving in 2013, Gordon barely has played, getting into only five games in 2014. Browns executive Sashi Brown said at the scouting combine 2 ½ months ago that the team had contact with Gordon “just personally because we care for the young man.” But coach Hue Jackson indicated early in the 2016 season that the Browns had moved on from Gordon.

The Browns still own Gordon’s rights.

Cardinals

Arizona officially announced the signing of quarterback Blaine Gabbert to a one-year contract. Gabbert presumably will compete for the backup job behind starter Carson Palmer, 37, but for now is the No. 3 quarterback on the roster. Drew Stanton has filled the backup role since coach Bruce Arians came to the Cardinals in 2013 and is 6-3 as a starter in relief of Palmer.

Also, the Cardinals released linebacker Daryl Washington, who had been reinstated by the NFL after three seasons away from the game. Washington was suspended by the league for multiple violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy as well as a domestic violence incident. Washington most recently played in a game in December 2013.

Bears

Chicago released veteran receiver Eddie Royal. He was limited to nine games in each of his two seasons in Chicago because of injuries.

Elsewhere

The NFL will provide more content on Twitter, using the social media platform to air a 30-minute show five days per week during the season. A deal between the NFL and Twitter also includes using Periscope and Twitter for pregame coverage, highlights, historical content, breaking news and analysis.