Seahawks receiver Josh Gordon has been conditionally reinstated by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, and will be eligible to return to the field for the final two games of the regular season.
Gordon, who joined the Seahawks last year, was suspended indefinitely for violating the NFL's policies on performance-enhancing substances and substances of abuse. That indefinite suspension will end up being almost exactly a 1-year ban, as Gordon was suspended last year with two games left on the schedule, and can now return for the final two games of this season.
Gordon can begin COVID-19 testing on Friday, per a league announcement on the reinstatement, and assuming negative tests, he will be permitted to join the club starting December 9 for team meetings, individual meetings with the coaching staff, and for individual workouts and strength and conditioning. Gordon cannot practice, travel with the team or attend games until Monday, December 21 following Seattle's Week 15 game at Washington. He can then begin practicing and is eligible to play in games starting with Seattle's Week 16 game against the Rams.
The Seahawks claimed Gordon off waivers last season and he appeared in five games prior to his suspension, catching seven passes for 139 yards. A first-team All-Pro and Pro-Bowler with Cleveland when he led the league in receiving in 2013, Gordon has faced multiple suspensions in his career for violations of the league's policy on substances of abuse, including for the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons. In Seattle last year, Gordon said he felt at home despite a short stay, and he remained in the area during the offseason to train, including sessions with current and former Seahawk players.
"It has been great," he said last year. "It's been a smooth transition. A great environment, a great football team and organization. I'm really happy to be here."
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was asked about Gordon being reinstated following Thursday's walk-thru and said, "He's an amazing receiver. A guy who was great for us last year, made some great plays. Obviously he's been a great player over his years, but more than anything else, it's a testament hopefully to his growth in life. You always want to see people overcome challenges and everything else.
"He did a tremendous job of really bonding with the guys, fitting in the right way. He was about the approach, he was studying his playbook, he was ready to roll, he made great plays for us, but he just fit in the right way. He was about the work ethic. Coach (Pete Carroll) does a great job of giving guys chances… I'm rooting for him to be able to overcome, and hopefully this time it's better than the last time."
