The Cleveland Browns could get their best player back on the field by November.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Media's Albert Breer report, per two sources apprised of the situation, Josh Gordon's suspension will be reduced to 10 games if the NFL ratifies the new drug policy. The NFL Players Association approved the proposal Friday evening.
Gordon was suspended one season after his appeal was denied on Aug. 27 for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.
No special exception would be made for Gordon. Under the new rules, 10 games is the standard ban for a fourth violation of the NFL's policy on substances of abuse.
The star wide receiver could end up facing another suspension pending the outcome of his November hearing for a DWI arrest in July.
Gordon was the NFL's leading receiver last season, setting a franchise record with 1,646 yards despite subpar quarterback play.
Gordon would be eligible to return for the Nov. 23 game versus the Atlanta Falcons, and his playmaking ability would be a welcome addition to an offense lacking any semblance of a vertical threat.
If the Browns are still in the AFC North race, Gordon's presence would have the potential to catapult his team into the playoffs. If the season takes a turn for the worse over the next two months, Gordon would likely be catching passes from first-round rookie Johnny Manziel, providing Browns fans with a glimpse of a more exciting future.
The latest "Around The NFL Podcast" recaps the Steelers-Ravens game and previews the other 15 games in Week 2.
