NFL “Conditionally Reinstates” Patriots WR Gordon
Greg M. Cooper - USA TODAY Sports
Some big news on Friday after it appears the Patriots may not be without Josh Gordon to start the season after all.
According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the league is “conditionally reinstating” Gordon and lifting his indefinite suspension. He’ll be able to start working with the team on Sunday, but it will be a while before he’ll be able to see game action. According to NFL.com’s Jeremy Bergman, he’ll only be able to attend the team’s third preseason contest next week. He won’t be able to play.
It’s terrific news for a group that currently has a slew of injuries at the position, but more importantly, it allows Gordon to start getting back to work as the Patriots continue preparing for the 2019 season.
Gordon was reportedly returned to the reserve/commissioner suspended list indefinitely last December following the team’s loss to the Steelers for violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement under the league’s substance abuse policy. That news came out not long after an announcement by Gordon, who initially said he was walking away to get ”a better grasp on things mentally.”
The suspension was a surprise to those who were hoping he’d be able to get a little bit of redemption here in New England and Friday’s news of his reinstatement certainly provides a bit of positive news, as it’s another chance at a new beginning for the embattled receiver.
Roger Goodell issued a statement, saying everyone is “rooting for Josh to succeed, both personally and professionally,”
Gordon played in 11 games for the Patriots last season, finishing with 40 receptions for 720-yards and 3 touchdowns.
Posted Under: Patriots News
Tags: 2019 New England Patriots josh gordon
