BEREA, Ohio -- Josh Gordon has plenty of incentive for reporting to Browns training camp by Tuesday.

If he doesn't, he won't qualify for restricted free agency after this season, as first reported by profootballtalk.com.

One source told cleveland.com the Gordon 'is getting closer to returning' to the team, but that he likely won't report by Tuesday. The club has remained confident throughout the process that Gordon, who announced three days before camp that he was taking some time away to work on his overall health, will be back soon.

If Gordon, who's on the reserve/did not report list, doesn't report 30 days before the start of the regular season, which is Tuesday, Aug. 7, he won't receive the third accrued season necessary to become a restricted free agent in March of 2019.



Article 8, Section 1(b) of the Collective Bargaining Agreement states that, "A player shall not receive an Accrued Season for any League Year in which the player is under contract to a Club and in which he failed to report to such Club at least thirty days prior to the first regular season game of that season."

He must also play at least six games to receive an accrued season.

If Gordon, who's in Gainesville, Fla. working out and undergoing counseling, fails to report by Tuesday, he won't be eligible for restricted free agency until at least after the 2019 season. He currently only has two accrued seasons from being suspended for 56 of a possible 96 games for violations of the substance abuse policy.

Browns GM John Dorsey told radio partner 92.3 The Fan this week, "I told you all he would be here, and he will be here.''

Gordon's good friend and fellow receiver Rashard Higgins said Saturday that he exchanged texts with Gordon on Friday.

"He was in good spirits," Higgins said. "We're not too concerned. We know Josh is handling his business off the field and when he comes back, he'll be ready to go."