NFL’s decision on Josh Gordon gives Browns time to observe, learn

3:14 PM ET

The NFL made a difficult decision for the Cleveland Browns a little more tolerable when it conditionally reinstated Josh Gordon on Monday.

Commissioner Roger Goodell allowed Gordon back, though the wide receiver will be suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season. The Browns now need to decide if Gordon is the kind of player and person they want to rely on going forward.

But when the league allowed Gordon to practice and play in the preseason, it gave the Browns an opportunity to spend six weeks observing and seeing just where Gordon is.

Josh Gordon has missed 27 of the Browns’ last 32 games due to multiple suspensions. Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

For the Browns, that alters the landscape. Instead of having to make a decision on Gordon without seeing him on the field, they can watch him play and practice, see how he interacts with teammates and coaches, and see how he goes about his business on and off the field.

Gordon has a long climb ahead of him. He missed the entire 2015 season after being suspended for multiple violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policies. In 2014, he missed the first 10 games to a league suspension and season finale to …

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