Josh Gordon has taken a step toward a potential return to the football field.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports that the Cleveland Browns receiver officially applied for reinstatement, per a source informed of his situation.
ESPN's Tony Grossi first reported the news.
The application is merely a formality. Gordon was suspended on Feb. 3, 2015 for violating the league's policy on substances of abuse. The terms of the suspension allow the wideout to apply for reinstatement as early as 60 days prior to the one-year anniversary of the date of his ban.