Gordon, who remains suspended by the NFL through Week 4 for violations of the league's substance abuse policies, released a statement Thursday relaying his decision to "enter an in-patient rehabilitation facility," ESPN.com reports. "After careful thought and deep consideration I've decided that I need to step away from pursuing my return to the Browns and my football career to enter an in-patient rehabilitation facility," Gordon said in the statement.

EDGE Analysis

Meanwhile, Browns executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown noted in a statement of his own, that Gordon's "singular focus must be on his own health. We want nothing more than for Josh to be successful personally and professionally and will not comment on his status with the organization at this time." The wideout's return to the playing field is thus on hold, with no timetable outlined for when he might rejoin the Browns. Heading in Week 4, Terrelle Pryor and Andrew Hawkins are listed as the team's starting wideouts, with Corey Coleman sidelined by a hand injury. Gordon's continued absence, coupled with Coleman's injury, extends the window in which Pryor profiles as the team's top option at the position.