Josh Gordon Is Going Back to Rehab

Cleveland Browns superstar Josh Gordon is headed back to rehab ... the team just announced.

25-year-old Gordon just issued a statement saying, "After careful thought and deep consideration I've decided that I need to step away from pursuing my return to the Browns and my football career to enter an in-patient rehabilitation facility."

"This is the right decision for me and one that I hope will enable me to gain full control of my life and continue on a path to reach my full potential as a person."

"I appreciate the support of the NFL, NFLPA, and the Browns, my teammates, my agent and the community through this extremely challenging process."

The Browns also issued a statement saying they support Gordon.

Josh has been battling substance abuse for years -- he missed most of the 2014 season and all of the 2015 season due to substance abuse policy violations. He was also suspended the first 4 games of the 2016 season after another positive test.

He was getting ready to make his comeback to the NFL in Week 5 against the Patriots -- but clearly, that's not happening now.

Gordon is tight with former Browns teammate, Johnny Manziel -- another guy who's battling substance abuse issues. In fact, the two partied at Coachella together back in April.