Josh Gordon rejoins Browns after taking leave

Josh Gordon announced Saturday he's ready to rejoin the Cleveland Browns after leaving the team July 23, days before training camp opened, to focus on his "overall mental and physical health."

"As I humbly return to being a member of this team with an opportunity to get back to playing this game I love, I realize in order for me to reach my full potential my primary focus must remain on my sobriety and mental well-being," he wrote in a statement.

The 27-year-old wideout returns to the Browns at the halfway point of the preseason.

Gordon has missed all but 10 games over the previous four seasons because of suspensions related to substance abuse.

"First off, we are pleased for Josh," said Browns general manager John Dorsey. "His overall health and well-being is what is most important. We commend Josh for his hard work, commitment and focus on becoming the best version of himself. We are glad Josh has reached a point where he can return to our organization, be in our building and be around his teammates. As he assimilates back to our team, Josh will initially participate in meetings and conditioning and will gradually resume all football activities as deemed appropriate."

Gordon, who led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards in 2013, is scheduled to become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2018 season.