WR Josh Gordon’s Reinstatement Denied by NFL; Other NFL news

(AP) — A person with knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press that Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been denied reinstatement by the NFL and can reapply in the fall.

Gordon has been suspended several times by the league, including the current ban for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. The 26-year-old Gordon rejoined the Browns last summer, then entered a rehab facility in September.

After leading the NFL in yards receiving in 2013, Gordon barely has played, getting into only five games in 2014.

In other NFL news:

— The Bears have released veteran receiver Eddie Royal, who was limited to nine games in each of his two seasons in Chicago because of injuries. He caught 33 passes for 369 yards last season after finishing with 37 receptions for 238 yards and a TD in 2015.

— The Cardinals have announced the signing of quarterback Blaine Gabbert to a one-year contract. Arizona also released linebacker Daryl Washington, who had been reinstated by the NFL after three seasons away from the game.

— The Falcons have signed first-rounder Takk McKinley and three more draft picks, ensuring that all six of their selections are under contract before the start of rookie camp on Friday.

— Alabama teammates Jonathan Allen and Ryan Anderson have signed their rookie contracts with Washington, which has deals with nine of its 10 draft picks.

— James Conner is officially a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The former Pitt running back who has overcome cancer signed a four-year deal with the Steelers.

— A man has filed a federal lawsuit alleging Titans wide receiver Tajae Sharpe assaulted him in an alley behind a bar the first night of the NFL draft. Dante R. Satterfield is asking for at least $500,000 in damages in the lawsuit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court.