BRISTOL, Tenn. — Jeff Gordon will not drive for Dale Earnhardt Jr. next weekend at Michigan even if he's needed in the No. 88 car, NBC Sports and ESPN reported Friday.
Gordon told reporters he has a prior commitment and will be unable to race.
Gordon filled in for Earnhardt for the past three races. He finished 13th at Indianapolis, his first race in more than eight months after returning from retirement, then 27th at Pocono and 14th at Watkins Glen. Gordon closed out his four-championship career at the end of last season and worked on the Fox Sports broadcast team for this season's opening races.
Earnhardt has a doctor's appointment next week, and Hendrick Motorsports is preparing to update his condition late Tuesday or Wednesday. This week, Earnhardt posted images on social media showing his rehab regimen.
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When Earnhardt was unable to race because of concussion-like symptoms, Gordon returned to the sport. He took over the seat after Alex Bowman drove the car at New Hampshire. Gordon qualified 11th for Saturday night's race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
According to the NBC report, Gordon said he would be at Michigan International Speedway on race day, but not for the weekend. The report added that Gordon anticipates Bowman driving the car at Michigan.
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Pressed on whether he could drive the car just on race day, Gordon told NBC that wasn't a reasonable option.
"It doesn't make sense," he was quoted as saying. "I've not driven that (reduced downforce) package. I think it's only fair, and I'm pretty sure that Alex Bowman would be in the car, it wouldn't be fair to him, it wouldn't be fair to this team."
According to ESPN, Gordon could race at Darlington, if needed.
Earlier this week, Earnhardt posted images of his ongoing recovery process.
An announcement on who will drive the car at Michigan is expected by mid-week.