FILE - In this Aug. 4, 2014, file photo, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon rests during practice at the NFL football team's training camp in Berea, Ohio.Tony Dejak/The Associated Press
Suspended Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon's locker has remained filled with his belongings, his orange helmet hanging on a hook while he's been kept away from the team.
Perhaps a positive sign?
Maybe not.
"We've just got some lazy guys in our equipment room," coach Mike Pettine joked on Friday.
All kidding aside, there seems to be a growing belief that Gordon, a repeat drug offender banned for the entire 2014 season for another failed test, could have his punishment reduced or completely overturned if the NFL changes its drug policy.
Representatives for all 32 teams will discuss the new proposal on Friday and could vote on it. If it passes, Gordon and other suspended players could be reinstated or have their penalties decreased.
The convoluted Gordon saga has hung over the Browns for months, making it difficult to move forward and depriving the team of its top playmaker.
Despite being suspended two games, Gordon led the league with 1,646 yards receiving and nine touchdowns last season, when he emerged as one of the game's top big-play threats.
And although there may be a glimmer of hope for the Browns, Pettine remains cautious.
"Just because we've heard everything and seen everything, until we get official word from the league and then start to respond, you don't get your hopes up, it's rumours and innuendo," he said. "I'll believe it when I see it."
The 23-year-old Gordon, who was in an advanced stage of the league's drug program, was suspended for again testing positive for marijuana. Gordon contends he failed the test earlier this year due to secondhand smoke, and his appeal was recently upheld by arbitrator Harold Henderson.
Gordon had practised and played in limbo during training camp and the preseason. The league announced on Aug. 27 that he would miss all 16 games and his eligibility for reinstatement would be determined after the season.
Now, his situation has changed again with the league and NFLPA appearing ready to alter the drug policy to possibly include testing for HGH and lessen penalties for socially accepted drugs.
Gordon's case is further complicated by a DUI arrest in North Carolina this summer.
The Browns have remained supportive of Gordon during his ordeal. His teammates would love to have him back for any length of time.
Following practice, Browns rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel said the reports about Gordon have been encouraging, but there are still many unknowns.
"That situation, obviously, is one right now that's kind of in a flux because you don't know," Manziel said. "There's so much talk and so much speculation about 'what if' of what could happen. But at any point in time if we got Josh back you look at the type of calibre player that does nothing, but only make this offence get better and makes us better.
"And I know for him, he wants to be playing football and as us being his teammates we want him back around here. At the same time, it's a delicate situation and one that has a lot of certainty for sure."
Manziel was asked if he's being apprised of the latest developments.
"I think that's way higher than the backup rookie quarterback," he said, smiling.
NOTES: Pettine said Browns Pro Bowl TE Jordan Cameron (shoulder) and LB Barkevious Mingo (shoulder) will be game-time decision for Sunday's home opener against New Orleans. Cameron and Mingo missed their third straight day of practice. Pettine says he does not have a fast rule about playing players who haven't practiced. ... Browns RB Ben Tate spoke for the first time since spraining his right knee against the Steelers. Tate, who wore a brace on his knee, will miss this week's game and suggested he'll miss next week against Baltimore as well. ... Manziel said he's appreciative of the support he's received from LeBron James. The two are business partners — James' marketing company handles some Manziel projects — and the QB values the NBA's star's guidance. "Anytime I've been around him, you want to pick his brain," Manziel said.