Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon will be reinstated for the 2016 season.
As NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported first, the NFL has approved Gordon’s reinstatement but the 25-year-old will have to begin the year by serving a four-game suspension.
#Browns WR Josh Gordon is being reinstated, source said. He’s suspended for the first 4 games.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 25, 2016
The league later confirmed the news.
Rapoport said the reinstatement is “conditional” at the moment, which likely means Gordon will have to fulfill certain responsibilities — drug tests, etc. — to remain on track to play. He can, however, join the Browns for training camp.
The future looked very grim for Gordon after it was reported that he failed yet another drug test back in March, but a four-game suspension seems like a best-case scenario for him. He missed all of last season after he tested positive for alcohol while in the NFL’s substance abuse program.
Gordon, who supposedly spent a good amount of time partying with his infamous former teammate over the summer, should make an immediate impact in the Browns’ passing game or with whatever team he plays for if Cleveland decides to move him.
