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National Football League roundup

[July 26, 2016] July 25 (The Sports Xchange) - Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon has been reinstated to the NFL on a conditional basis after meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell last week regarding his indefinite drug ban, the league announced Monday.

Gordon will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season and will be eligible to return to the team beginning Oct. 3. During this suspension, Gordon may participate in team meetings and other activities but may not attend or participate in practices or games.

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Peyton Manning has been cleared of allegations that he used HGH or any other performance-enhancing drugs, the NFL announced after a seven-month investigation.

Manning retired after his Denver Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers to win Super Bowl 50 in February.

The NFL interviewed Manning and his wife Ashley, who were "fully cooperative with the investigation," the league said in a statement.

Manning was the highest-profile name linked to PEDs in the Al-Jazeera America documentary that aired in December. The report alleged that Manning was given a supply of human growth hormone in 2011 from an Indiana-based anti-aging clinic.

Manning had vehemently denied the accusations that he used HGH or PEDs during his recovery from neck surgery in 2011.

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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell is reportedly facing a four-game suspension for missing drug tests, but took to social media and said he will appeal if suspended and is confident he will win his appeal.

"I'm not going to miss games, trust me," he posted on Instagram.

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Oakland Raiders linebacker Aldon Smith, currently serving a one-year suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy, might now be investigated for an online video.

A league source told ESPN's Ed Werder the NFL will investigate whether Smith has violated the conditions required of a suspended player seeking reinstatement to the league.

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Wide receiver Greg Jennings has announced his retirement from the NFL after 10 seasons.

The 32-year-old Jennings said he can still physically play but has elected to move on from football.

The two-time Pro Bowler finishes his career with 571 catches for 8,291 yards and 64 touchdowns.

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The NFL and the National Football League Players Association announced a new policy to enforce the league's concussion protocol.

Under the new policy, the NFL and NFLPA will follow what's described as a strict and fair process to investigate incidents and determine appropriate discipline.

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Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Phil Loadholt plans to retire from the NFL at age 30, effectively ending the competition for the starting job at right tackle.

Andre Smith, signed as a free agent in the offseason, will work with the first team when the Vikings report to Mankato to begin training camp this week.

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Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson plans to keep Carson Wentz near him on the sideline this season.

Asked as rookies reported with quarterbacks for the start of camp, Pederson said a redshirt year awaits the No. 2 overall pick based on the best-laid plans of the first-year head coach.

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The Seattle Seahawks extended the contract of general manager John Schneider.

Schneider, who was named general manager in January 2010 and served as the team's executive vice president since 2013, was entering the final year of his contract.

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Washington Redskins linebacker Junior Galette will miss a second straight season because of an Achilles injury.

In a direct message via Twitter, Galette said he tore his right Achilles tendon during football drills Sunday.

He spent his first five seasons with the New Orleans Saints. In the 2012 and 2013 seasons, Galette recorded a combined 22 sacks and was rewarded with a four-year, $41.5 million deal in 2014. (Editing by Frank Pingue)

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