“Growing Optimism” That Suspended Browns WR Josh Gordon Will Be Back Soon

According to Rand Getlin of NFL Media, there’s “growing optimism” that suspended Browns WR Josh Gordon will be back on the field soon.

Last week, Gordon posted a Tweet in which he mentioned a “fresh start.”

However, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, citing a league source, later reported that Gordon hasn’t been reinstated.

The NFL is expected to consider reinstating Gordon as at some point. Although, commissioner Roger Goodell recently explained that he wants suspended Gordon to show he’s changed before they consider reinstating him.

“The process is we will go back and look at how he’s conducted himself over the last several months, what he’s done to make sure it’s consistent with the terms of his suspension, and at some stage we’ll have a report on that, and I will engage with our people to understand where he is, where he’s been, but most importantly, where he’s going,” Goodell said. “When these things happen, it’s about trying to avoid them in the future. Our No. 1 issue here is to prevent these things from happening.

“I’m hopeful that Josh understands that he’s going to have to conduct himself differently going forward to be a member of the NFL and to be representing the Cleveland Browns — or any team in the NFL. So, our job is to try to get people to understand that, try to make sure that they live by the policies that we have, and ensure that this is what all of us want and also what the fans want. Our fans want everybody playing by the same rules.”

Gordon applied for reinstatement close to a month ago, which leaves the NFL with 60 days to decide about his application.

Jason Cole of B/R previously reported that has been working out in California and staying away from the bad influences that have led to numerous off-the-field issues.

According to Cole, Gordon believes he has these issues under control and thinks he has a “good chance” of being reinstated by the NFL.

Gordon, 24, would have had just one more year remaining on his four-year, $5.342 million rookie contract that$3.8 million included guaranteed.

However, Gordon’s suspension will prevent him from becoming an unrestricted free agent after the 2015 season. Ian Rapoport mentioned a while back that Gordon’s suspension will keep be under contract through the 2016 season before becoming a restricted free agent in 2017.

In 2014, Gordon appeared in five games and caught 24 passes for 303 yards receiving, but didn’t score a touchdown.

We’ll have more regarding Gordon’s return to the Browns as the news is available.