Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner has been reinstated by the NFL, having been previously "indefinitely suspended" after being found guilty of substance abuse last season.
Despite now being allowed to resume his football career next season, Browner will be suspended for the opening four games of the campaign.
On Wednesday, the NFL and the NFL Players Association issued a joint statement with more details of Browner's reinstatement.
It read: "The NFL and NFLPA have agreed to conditionally reinstate Brandon Browner from his indefinite suspension under the Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse. Browner was suspended without pay for the Seattle Seahawks' final five games of the 2013 season, including the playoffs.
"His contract with the Seahawks expires at the end of the 2013 League Year on March 11, but he will be eligible to sign with a club and participate in offseason and preseason activities. Should he comply with the terms of the Substance Abuse Policy and Program, he will be fully reinstated after serving a four-game suspension without pay at the start of the 2014 regular season and forfeiting an additional four weeks of pay."
Browner signed for the Seahawks in 2011, but he is widely expected to be released by the team when his current contract expires next week.
Joe McPhee
