Suspended Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell this week to discuss his return to the NFL, according to sources.
The meeting was first reported by the NFL Network and confirmed by ESPN.
Gordon can reapply for reinstatement to the league on Aug. 1, and the meeting had been scheduled as part of that process. Sources tell ESPN's Dan Graziano that a decision on Gordon's status is not likely before the start of the season.
Gordon was suspended two games in 2013, 10 games in 2014 and for the entire 2015 season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. He was denied reinstatement in April after reports he failed a drug test because of a diluted samples that also tested positive for marijuana. The level of marijuana did not meet the NFL's threshold for suspension, but the diluted samples are considered the same as a positive test.
At the time, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Gordon's possible reinstatement would be delayed until the league feels comfortable that he has 60-90 days of no "red-flag tests."
A source also told Schefter there was growing concern in the Browns organization whether Gordon would be reinstated.
The Browns have continually said they will not address Gordon's situation until the league decides whether Gordon will be reinstated.
If he is reinstated, the team will sit down and talk with Gordon and assess his frame of mind and attitude before making any decision on taking him back.
ESPN's Pat McManamon contributed to this report.