Report: Josh Gordon had setback during substance abuse recovery

It sadly looks like we know why Josh Gordon is not eligible to practice or play as scheduled.

Gordon, whose substance abuse problems are well-documented and have led to multiple suspensions, was seemingly set to make his 2020 regular season debut for the Seattle Seahawks this weekend against the Los Angeles Rams. However, one day after the team bumped him up to the active roster (and waived Penny Hart), the league placed Gordon back on the Commissioner’s exempt list, which means he no longer counts towards the 53-man limit.

Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times initially reported that the former Pro Bowl wide receiver had not completely satisfied the terms of his conditional reinstatement. NFL insider Tom Pelissero has since added that Gordon reportedly “had a setback” in his recovery from substance abuse.

It is worth noting that when Gordon applied for reinstatement this past summer, it was reported (also by Pelissero) that Gordon had a previous setback after the death of his brother last November. Shortly thereafter, Gordon was suspended for a fifth time by the NFL effective Week 16 of 2019.

I have nothing more to add apart from sadness for Gordon and my hope that he is able to get the help he needs.