As the impending drug policy is readied to be put in place in time for week three of NFL action, many players will see their active drug suspensions reduced. Josh Gordon, who once faced a season-long ban, now may be able to return to the field after serving a reduced 10-game suspension.
Maybe even more importantly, language in the new deal would allow Gordon to immediately return to the Browns’ facilities, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Rapoport noted that this was a result the team wanted badly.
Under the current policy, Gordon is not allowed to have any contact with the team or team officials. The team would not have had the ability to counsel the star wide receiver through his rehab, or monitor his workout regimen while he was suspended.
Once the new drug policy is passed, the team will be able to take a much more hands on approach with their troubled All Pro player.