If Josh Gordon plays next season, it will now officially be with the Patriots

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Josh Gordon is still indefinitely suspended from the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, but an important step toward his football future was made on Tuesday.

The wide receiver officially signed his restricted free agent tender, meaning that he is now under contract with the New England Patriots for the 2019 season.

Whether he plays or not will be determined by NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, who has to reinstate Gordon before any field time can happen.

Goodell spoke on Gordon’s status back in March, saying “The first thing right now is the focus on Josh himself as a young man and what he needs to do to get his life on the right track. That’s what our focus is. We have resources supporting that. That’s our hope – to make sure he gets on the right track. Once he gets on the right track, we’ll get to that place. I think right now, he’s had a complete focus on, ‘I’ve got to keep myself off the field in the right place before I can get back on the field.’”

In 11 games played with New England last season, Gordon established himself and caught on quickly with his new team. The receiver racked up 40 receptions, 720 yards and three touchdowns.

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