CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns owner Jimmy Haslam alluded to Josh Gordon's addiction struggles when asked about the receiver's absence, and also declined to comment on a report that Gordon must request reinstatement to the Browns in writing and that it must be approved by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.



"You know, this is a difficult situation,'' Haslam said. "Josh has clearly struggled with addiction and he would tell you that, over a long period of time. I think we saw a different Josh Gordon here in the spring and during workouts he's working hard, and we're going to continue to work with the person and try to help him out both personally and professionally until it doesn't make sense.''



Haslam declined to comment on a report by profootballtalk.com's Mike Florio that Gordon will "have to make a written request for reinstatement to the Browns, and the Commissioner will have to approve it.''



The NFL has not responded to several requests seeking confirmation of that report.



"I really don't want to comment on that,'' Haslam said. "Like I said, we're focused on hoping Josh gets better, respecting his privacy and at the same time we've got a lot of good football players here that we're anxious to see this afternoon."

Gordon, who left the team to work on his overall health as part of his treatment plan, is believed to be in Gainesville, Fla., undergoing counseling and treatment.



Gordon spent 90 days in an inpatient substance abuse facility in Gainesville last summer and fall.



Trainer Tim Shankle, formerly of Gainesville's N.U.M.A. Speed where Gordon worked out last year, posted a video on Instagram and Facebook July 19 of Gordon working out with him.





But Haslam declined to elaborate on whether or not he thinks Gordon will be back with the team anytime soon.



"I think it's consistent throughout the organization, I think John and Hue have answered this question, Dee (Haslam) and I talk about it a lot,'' he said. "First of all, we're interested in Josh the person. We respect his privacy and until Josh gets back to camp, we're going to focus on the players that are here."

In the meantime the Browns have initiated talks with the representatives for former Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant about the three-time Pro Bowler signing a one-year contract here.

The next step would be for Bryant to come to Berea to get a feel for the organization, considering that he's made it clear he wants to play for a contender. The Browns' interest in Bryant signals a realization that they might not be able to count on Gordon this season, even though the receiver said he'd be back soon and said he was excited to start the season.



"That's really a question for John (Dorsey),'' said Haslam. "What you see out of John and his group are they are continually looking at making the team better and we're talking to a lot of people. We're working guys out. There were two guys working out earlier today and we're going to continue to, whether it's our ninth offensive lineman or a former star receiver for another team, we're going to continue to look at any and everybody we can to make our team better.

"I don't think Dee and I are ever going to comment on individual players that we may or may not be looking at, but John is working hard to make the team better every single day."

As for what was different about Gordon this spring, Haslam said, "I think work ethic, attitude, what he was doing off the field and I actually think that's enough talk on Josh. I know he's the star player and attracts a lot of attention, etc. but on the other hand we've got 88 guys I think at camp and I think to focus on them for now.''

The NFL told cleveland.com that Gordon hasn't been suspended but that 'there's no timetable' for Gordon's return and that they'll ''address the matter at the appropriate time.''

ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported that Gordon, who's in the Browns' "reserve/did not report list," did not have any setbacks or a failed test and that he's seeking counseling for mental health and anxiety issues.

But if Gordon must apply to the Browns in writing for reinstatement and have his request approved by the commissioner, there's more to the story which will likely be revealed when the NFL addresses it.