Josh Gordon has taken the first step to a possible return to the NFL with his release from a rehab facility in New Hampshire. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the treatment Gordon received was the most intense treatment he has ever received, and is doing better post treatment.
Gordon may have cleared his first hurdle by finishing treatment, but his NFL future is still very murky. Gordon is still suspended by the NFL and his sudden departure to rehab seems to indicate that their may be further substance abuse violations. Gordon already was banned for all of the 2015 season for a Stage 3 substance abuse policy violation, so another violation at this point could result in a 10-16 game suspension. Cleveland appears to be done with Gordon and is looking to trade him for a 1st or 2nd round pick, but with the risk of a lengthy suspension looming over Gordon, it’s unlikely that any team makes this trade.
Once a player enters into the Stage 3 violation category, they remain in that stage for the remainder of their career. This means that Gordon’s future is strictly tied to his behavior off the field. One minor slip, and it’s game over for Gordon.