Patriots' Gordon suspended indefinitely

New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon announced Thursday he would take a leave of absence from the team to focus on his mental health for an unspecified period.

However, the 27-year-old's departure is involuntary, as the NFL confirmed he's been placed on the Reserve/Commissioner Suspended list indefinitely for violating terms of his reinstatement under the substance abuse policy.

He isn't expected to play again this season and his career is potentially in jeopardy, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Gordon played in just 10 games from 2014-17 due to multiple bans for violations of the substance abuse policy. He took a similar absence from the Cleveland Browns this offseason, missing most of the team's activities to receive counseling and treatment for his mental health prior to his September trade to the Patriots.

Cleveland shipped him to New England for a fifth-round pick after the wideout was late to the facility and injured his hamstring in a promotional photoshoot.

The loss of Gordon on the field could have major implications for the Patriots and the AFC playoff picture as a whole.

New England's offense was already struggling for consistency. Rob Gronkowski has looked far from his usual self as he deals with multiple ailments, Chris Hogan has been mostly anonymous all season, and the team is coming off back-to-back losses.

Gordon had 40 catches for a team-high 720 yards and three touchdowns. His departure should mean more snaps for the likes of Phillip Dorsett and Cordarrelle Patterson.