Report: Josh Gordon to seek reinstatement soon

On Wednesday, troubled pass rusher Aldon Smith, who signed with the Cowboys in April, was conditionally reinstated by the NFL.

Now, free agent wide receiver Josh Gordon, 29, is looking to follow suit. According to Pro Football Talk, Gordon will soon apply for reinstatement from his fifth NFL suspension.

Though under the terms of the new CBA, players are no longer suspended for positive tests for marijuana, the rule change did not automatically reinstate those who already was suspended for such a test. Complicating things for Gordon is that his December 2019 suspension was for a violation of the performance-enhancing drug policy, in addition to substances of abuse.

While Gordon can be reinstated and sign with a team at any moment, he would still need to finish the rest of the six-game suspension handed down for testing positive for a banned substance and a masking agent. With his suspension beginning in Week 16, Gordon has two weeks left of that suspension. If and when he signs with a team, he will be allowed to go through training camp and preseason, but once the regular season begins so too will the remainder of his suspension.

Gordon is currently a free agent, but he recently posted a photo on Instagram of himself working out in Seattle.

Between the Seahawks’ team culture and multiple roster spots up for grabs at wide receiver, a return to Seattle could make sense for both sides. In a small sample size to close out last season the dynamic wideout fit in well, catching seven of 11 targets for 139 yards.

First, for Gordon, is reinstatement.