The New England Patriots just lost their leading wide receiver.
Josh Gordon made a surprise announcement Thursday morning, revealing he's stepping away from football to focus on his mental health.
- PLAYER PROFILE:Â A look at Gordon's career stats through the years
https://twitter.com/JOSH_GORDONXII/status/1075759466065338368
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero offered insight into why: The veteran wide receiver reportedly is facing an indefinite suspension for violating the terms of his reinstatement.
#Patriots WR Josh Gordon is facing another indefinite suspension for violating terms of his reinstatement under the substance abuse policy, per source. He announced today he’s stepping away to address his mental health.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 20, 2018
Gordon missed the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons due to suspensions related to substance abuse. He was reinstated during the 2017 season.
The 27-year-old joined the Patriots on Sept. 17 via trade with the Cleveland Browns and seemed to fit in nicely, tallying a team-high 720 receiving yards in 11 games.
It appears Gordon's off-field demons have made a comeback, however, and his departure couldn't come at a worse time for New England.
The Patriots are in the midst of a rare two-game losing streak and struggled offensively last Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Gordon gone and Rob Gronkowski not looking like his usual self, the Pats will need to find a way to fill the talented wideout's void.
New England released a brief statement Thursday morning regarding Gordon.
Statement from the New England Patriots on Josh Gordon: pic.twitter.com/tXmXrXVrJL
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 20, 2018
UPDATE (2:35 p.m. ET): The NFL made it official Thursday morning, placing Gordon on the Reserve/Commissioner Suspended list indefinitely. Gordon will remain on the Patriots' roster but is ineligible to play until reinstated.
Now official:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 20, 2018
Effective today, Josh Gordon has been returned to the Reserve/Commissioner Suspended list indefinitely for violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement under the Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.
New England now has one open roster spot.
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