New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon is taking a break from football to focus on his mental health, the 27-year-old said Thursday.

In a statement on Twitter, Gordon said "I take my mental health very seriously at this point to ensure I remain able to perform at the highest level. I have recently felt like I could have a better grasp on things mentally. With that said, I will be stepping away from the football field for a bit to focus on my mental health."

Gordon was traded Sept. 17, along with a 2019 seventh-round draft pick, to the Patriots in exchange for a 2019 fifth-round draft pick.

Gordon also used his Twitter statement to thank coach Bill Belichick, team owner Robert Kraft and the fans.

Later in the day, the team released a statement saying they "support Josh Gordon in his continued efforts to focus on his health."

Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported Thursday that Gordon is facing a potential suspension for violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement under the NFL's drug policy. Gordon is not expected to play again this season.

In his first game with the Patriots, Gordon caught two passes for 32 yards in a 38-7 win over the Miami Dolphins. Against the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 4, Gordon caught Tom Brady's 500th career touchdown pass. It was also Gordon's first touchdown as a member of the Patriots.

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