Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon has applied for reinstatement to the NFL, Pro Football Talk reported Saturday.
The 28-year-old Gordon was suspended indefinitely in December for violating terms of his reinstatement to the NFL from a suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. He's had several such suspensions during his career.
However, Gordon appeared to have turned his life around after being acquired by the Patriots in a trade with the Browns early last season.
The Patriots not only awarded him a Super Bowl ring, but reportedly paid for his substance-abuse treatment.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in March the league wants to help Gordon "get his life on the right track."
“Once he gets on the right track, we’ll get to that place [potential return]," Goodell said. "I think right now, he’s had a complete focus on, ‘I’ve got to keep myself off the field in the right place before I can get back on the field.’”
Patriots coach Bill Belichick addressed Gordon's status Thursday after practice.
“We don’t have anything to do with Josh Gordon. He’s suspended," Belichick said. "You need to talk to the league. We have no control over Josh Gordon.”
Gordon caught 40 passes for 720 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games with the Patriots last year.