Patriots' Gordon reinstated on conditional basis

The NFL conditionally reinstated Josh Gordon on Friday, paving the way for the wide receiver to return to the New England Patriots.

"We are all rooting for Josh to succeed, both personally and professionally," commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement obtained by ESPN's Mike Reiss. "Everyone shares in that hope and will continue to support him to every extent possible. But as Josh acknowledged, ultimately his success is up to him."

The 28-year-old can officially rejoin the Patriots on Sunday. The NFL determined he won't play in Week 3 of the preseason due to a lack of conditioning and practice time.

Gordon was placed back on the suspended list in December after violating the terms of his previous conditional reinstatement. He missed the final two games of the regular season as well as the Patriots' postseason run to a Super Bowl championship.

If healthy and focused, Gordon could provide the Patriots with a vertical threat they otherwise lack from the rest of their receiving corps. But he's struggled to stay on the field throughout his career because of off-field issues; from 2014 to 2017, he appeared in only 10 games.

Gordon reeled in 40 of his 68 targets for 720 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games with New England last year. He began the season with the Cleveland Browns but only played in one game before being traded.