Josh Gordon Applying for Reinstatement to NFL After Indefinite Suspension

After missing each of the past two seasons due to suspension, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon will apply for reinstatement to the NFL on Wednesday.

Gordon's business manager, Michael Johnson, relayed the news to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Per Schefter, Johnson said the following regarding the decision:

"

Josh is living with me and is in the best place mentally that he has been in dating back years before entering the NFL. He has taken the proper steps to treat his issues and has followed a very strict protocol that the league and our team here has laid out for him. He's also in the best shape of his life and feels even better than he did when he had his breakout year in 2013. This will be a special year for Josh and we are all very proud of the way he has taken the necessary steps to turn his life around.

"

Gordon is in the midst of an indefinite suspension for multiple violations of the NFL's substance-abuse policy.

Gordon was initially set to be reinstated after serving a four-game suspension at the start of the 2016 season, but he instead entered an inpatient rehab facility. After that announcement, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the Browns planned on releasing him.

The 25-year-old wideout is still under contract with Cleveland, however, and he plays a major position of need for the team. Terrelle Pryor is set to hit free agency, and the Browns recently released veteran wide receiver Andrew Hawkins. That leaves 2016 first-round pick Corey Coleman as Cleveland's top option, but he has yet to prove he can be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL.

Gordon's last regular-season action came in 2014, when he registered 24 receptions for 303 yards and no touchdowns in five contests. The 2013 season was his high-water mark, as he was named a Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro after catching 87 passes for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns in 14 games.

In August, Schefter reported multiple teams expressed interest in trading for Gordon had the Browns made him available.