Gordon -- who was suspended by the NFL for a minimum of a year under the league's substance-abuse policy back on Feb. 3, 2015, -- has applied for reinstatement, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

EDGE Analysis

Meanwhile, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has 60 days in which to make a determination on Gordon's request for reinstatement. In the event that Gordon is reinstated within that time-frame, the talented young wideout would be able to participate in the Browns' offseason program, which opens up in April. Per the report, Gordon "has been doing well" in his time away from the team and is confident that he will be reinstated. In the event that he is, NFL spokesman Greg Aiello notes that Gordon would still "be in Stage 3 of the NFL's substance abuse program and will be subject to indefinite banishment again -- a minimum of a year -- with another positive test." In any case, there should be some degree of clarity with regard to the 24-year-old's prospects of seeing NFL action in 2016 before the Browns next take the field, with Gordon's status of course of import to fantasy owners, given the production and upside that he offers when he is able to play.