The NFL announced Wednesday it has reinstated suspended Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon on a conditional basis.
Gordon will be allowed to start practicing with the Browns on Nov. 20, and can be placed on the active roster Nov. 27th at the earliest. He'll be eligible to play the final five weeks of the season.
The 26-year-old hasn't appeared in an NFL game since 2014 due to the numerous failed drug tests that led to his suspension and prevented him from obtaining reinstatement over the last three years.
"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," commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "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."
Gordon quickly became one of the game's top receivers from 2012-14, and hauled in 87 receptions for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns in only 14 games during his banner campaign in 2013.
It's unclear, though, whether the Browns will welcome the man known as "Flash" back into the fold with open arms. The team was reportedly shopping his rights ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, and has long been frustrated with his off-field sagas.
"We respect and commend Josh for taking the steps necessary to have the opportunity to return to the league," Browns executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown stated. "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."
