Josh Gordon Returning to the Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns received some very exciting news Saturday afternoon. Their talented wide receiver is returning.

So just hours after the Browns 19-17 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills, wide receiver Josh Gordon made it official. He is returning to the team.

Welcome back, @JOSH_GORDONXII! pic.twitter.com/GrGF0J0jNY

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 18, 2018

The talented but troubled wide receiver left the team just days before the start of training camp. The reason apparently stemmed from a a custody battle with the mother of his daughter.

Gordon released the following statement about the return via his twitter account.

https://twitter.com/JOSH_GORDONXII/status/1030848608306962435

Dear Cleveland Browns and NFL family,

Thank you for your love, support, and most importantly your patience as I took the time needed to ensure my overall mental and physical health.

More specifically, I would like to thank the NFL, NFLPA, the entire Cleveland Browns organization, the University of Florida, and my friend and business manager Michael Johnson Jr for playing such pivotal roles during this process. This has by no means been an easy road and I’m extremely grateful to have all of you in my life.

As I humbly return to being a member of this team with an opportunity to get back to playing this game I love, I realize in order for me to reach my full potential my primary focus must remain on my sobriety and mental well-being.

Let’s get to work!

Gordon has not played a full season for the Browns since his rookie year of 2012. Hopefully that changes here in 2018. As for now, the important thing is Gordon is coming back to the team. Now he can focus on helping the Browns win some football games in the near future.

Statements from Gordon and GM John Dorsey: pic.twitter.com/gQJXT1SsW1

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 18, 2018

“First off, we are pleased for Josh. His overall health and well-being is what is most important,” general manager John Dorsey said. “We commend Josh for his hard work, commitment and focus on becoming the best version of himself. We are glad Josh has reached a point where he can return to our organization, be in our building and be around his teammates. As he assimilates back to our team, Josh will initially participate in meetings and conditioning and will gradually resume all football activities as deemed appropriate.”

Since #Brown WR Josh Gordon is still in jointly negotiated substance abuse program, he’s subject to certain conditions. Per @NFLprguy: “This part of the process. Can attend meetings, do conditioning. Can go to practice but not participate. No timetable on next step.”

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 18, 2018

There is no official timetable for when Gordon can return to game action. In addition, Gordon is not facing a looming suspension from the league. The Browns have placed him on the active non-football injury list.

Scott Piker is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Browns. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport