Dion Jordan cleared to practice by NFL when medically able

Miami Dolphins defensive end Dion Jordan was conditionally reinstated by the NFL after a 15-month suspension as the team opened their 2016 training camp. A portion of Jordan’s “conditions” was that he was not allowed to practice or play in preseason games before resources in the Miami area were established to help keep him from a fourth violation of the league’s substance abuse policy.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the league has notified the Dolphins that Jordan is now eligible to practice.

Jordan is currently on the Non-Football Injury list after having a knee scope conducted this offseason. He is likely another week or two away from being able to return to full activities with the team.

Jordan will have to meet with the NFL prior to being cleared to play in regular season games, as well as have an in-season meeting with the league before he is fully reinstated.

The Dolphins are waiting on both Jordan and rookie Xavien Howard to be medically cleared from similar knee issues this offseason. Howard is expected to challenge for the starting cornerback position opposite Byron Maxwell, while Jordan could find himself buried on a deep depth chart at defensive end behind players like Cameron Wake, Mario Williams, Andre Branch, Jason Jones, Chris McCain, and Terrence Fede. The team could consider moving Jordan to outside linebacker, but there has not been any indication of that happening yet.