Browns’ Josh Gordon To Be Reinstated On Conditional Basis

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been conditionally reinstated to the NFL, the league announced Wednesday.

Josh Gordon reinstatement news

The 26-year-old’s reinstatement is conditional on “compliance with clinical and other requirements,” per an NFL statement.

“Effective immediately, Gordon may join the Browns to attend meetings, engage in conditioning work and individual workouts,” the statement read. “…he will be placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt list and be permitted to practice with the team beginning on Monday, November 20.”

Gordon — a 2012 product of Baylor — has not played in a game since Dec. 21, 2014. He had been suspended indefinitely since September 2016 without pay for multiple violations of the league’s substance abuse policy.

Starting Nov. 27, Gordon will become eligible — at the Browns’ discretion — to return to active status or to remain on the commissioner’s exempt list for an additional week .

If he respects commissioner Roger Goodell’s rules, Gordon could play in Cleveland’s last five games this season.

“We’ve been informed of the league’s decision to reinstate Josh,” Browns EVP of Football Operations Sashi Brown said in a statement obtained by Rapoport. “The personal well-being of all our players is of the utmost importance to us. We respect and commend Josh for taking the steps necessary to have the opportunity to return to the league. Josh will be in our building in the coming days and we look forward to having him back and sitting with him to discuss his future on our team.”

Gordon led the league in receiving yards (1,646) in 2013 despite playing in just 14 of 16 games.

The Browns (0-8) have a bye this week and then visit the Detroit Lions on Nov. 12.

ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 23:  Josh Gordon #12 of the Cleveland Browns stands on the sidelines in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on November 23, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)