Having not played since December of 2014, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon is somewhat of an afterthought. The talented but troubled pass catcher remains on the NFL’s suspended list following multiple failed drug tests and other run-ins with the law.
Still only 25, it now looks like Gordon is attempting to make his way back to playing professional football. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the former second-round supplemental pick of the Browns is applying for reinstatement on Wednesday.
Browns WR Josh Gordon, who has not played since 2014, is applying today for reinstatement, per his business manager Michael Johnson.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 1, 2017
It remains to be seen how the NFL might respond, but Gordon’s track record might make it hard for the league to support his recent application for reinstatement.
Back in October, Gordon entered a rehab facility after yet another potential violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. This came at the same time that he was still suspended. This also came just a couple months after Gordon met with commissioner Roger Goodell over potential reinstatement, something that never came to fruition.
Gordon has been suspended three times under the league’s substance abuse policy. Considering he entered the NFL with questions surrounding drug use, the receiver was already on the league’s radar.
When on the field, Gordon has proven himself to be a dynamic receiving threat. Back in 2013, he led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards in just 14 games.
If Gordon is indeed reinstated, there’s no guarantee the Browns will keep him. It’s been clearly noted in the past that the team might simply move on altogether.