AFC North News: Browns WR Josh Gordon will return to the field in 2016

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been informed by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell that he will be eligible to play during the 2016 regular season but will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Gordon has been reinstated on a conditional basis so he must make sure that he stays away from trouble going forward. Gordon missed the entire 2015 season for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.

Goodell released the following statement via NFL.com.

"As we discussed at our [July 19] meeting, as Commissioner, I want nothing more than to see you turn your circumstances around and succeed. . .Countless others including your agent, teammates and coaches, Mr. Haslam and the leadership of the organization, the Program professionals and Jim Brown also have pledged to provide you with every resource at their disposal. But as you acknowledged, ultimately, your future is your responsibility. I have every belief that you can make the right choices, but it will be up to you to do so."

Gordon, 25, with his suspension, is scheduled to miss the Browns week 2 in a critical AFC North matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. After missing much of the last two seasons of football, it will be interesting to see if Gordon can go back to being a receiver who among the best, if not the best receiver in the entire league like he was during the 2013 season when he logged in 87 receptions for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns.