New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon may not have to wait as long to return to the NFL as he did during his last suspension, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Gordon and the NFLPA can begin their case for the receiver’s reinstatement in May, if all goes well.

Gordon and Bryant are suspended, not banished (which would be one year minimum). So, it’s possible they could be back by training camp. Of course, this can’t be said enough: everything depends on getting better and following their treatment plans. That’s where the focus is now. — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 7, 2019

All hasn’t gone well during Gordon’s career. He spent almost three years suspended for failing the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Gordon’s suspension was reinstated during the 2018 season when the NFL found diluted drug test samples, according to NESN. Gordon was excelling on the field for New England. Off the field, it may have been a different story. Gordon was surrounded by a security detail as an effort to prevent him from relapsing, but he evaded the Patriots’ security during the bye week, according to ESPN.

During Super Bowl media week, the NFL commissioner discussed Gordon’s tenuous situation.

“Directly, I have not spoken to him since his last suspension,” Roger Goodell said. “I do know he’s in treatment. He’s a young man who has had a lot of challenges. I have gotten to know him and understands his struggles and the challenges that he’s had to go through, and he’s working at it. He understands what he has to do. He understands the importance for him — and this is well beyond football. This is for his life, to make sure he takes care of himself and he understands the importance of getting this issue under control and being able to live a healthy and long life.

“If he can, we’ll evaluate that at the right time, but right now the focus is what more can we do to help Josh get to that place.”

Gordon will enter restricted free agency this offseason, with the Patriots getting the opportunity to match any offer made by another team.