Josh Gordon is returning for the 2019 season.
On Friday, the NFL announced they were reinstating the Patriots wide receiver after he was suspended indefinitely back in December 2018. The league said Gordon may return to New England's facilities as soon as Sunday, and will be allowed to participate in all team activities; however, he is not permitted to play in the Patriots' Aug. 22 preseason game. The league stressed that Gordon's presence on the team is "subject to appropriate progress on clinical care and other arrangements."
The news was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.
"We are all rooting for Josh to succeed, both personally and professionally," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "Everyone shares in that hope and will continue to support him to every extent possible. But as Josh acknowledged, ultimately his success is up to him."
Gordon was suspended from the NFL after violating the league's substance abuse police; it marked his fifth suspension since being drafted in 2012.
"I take my mental health very seriously at this point to ensure I remain able to perform at the highest level," he said in the tweet in late 2018. "I have recently felt like I could have a better grasp on things mentally. With that said, I will be stepping away from the football field for a bit to focus on my mental health."
Gordon reportedly filed for reinstatement earlier this month. As a restricted free agent, Gordon signed a one-year, $2.025 million tender with New England back in April.
