NFL
Josh Gordon Returns To Browns Training
Browns fans can breathe a sigh of relief today as wide receiver Josh Gordon has returned to camp. Gordon stayed away for the first month, citing personal reasons related to drug problems he’s struggled with in the past. Gordon said that his absence was a way to help him continue his sobriety. The Browns have supported Gordon throughout this process and hope that he’s past some of the issues that have plagued him throughout his career. It is important to note, however, that Gordon will not be able to participate right away. The receiver is still in the league’s substance abuse program. This means that Gordon is not eligible to participate in practice until he is cleared by the NFL.
This may also impact the Browns’ pursuit of free agent wide receiver Dez Bryant. Bryant came in for a visit with the Browns on Thursday and some thought he may sign with the team. With the return of Gordon, though, Dez may not want to join a team where he’d be a third option behind Jarvis Landry and Josh Gordon.
Impact on other Browns players
The return of Gordon and possible signing of Dez Bryant could both impact the playing time of rookie Antonio Callaway. Callaway was acting as the number two receiver behind Landry throughout training camp and the first two preseason games. But with the return of Gordon, he will be battling Rashard Higgins for the third receiver spot. In the end, Higgins will most likely play as the fourth receiver and take reps with the second team once Gordon is ready to go. If the team does go ahead and sign Dez Bryant they will create one of the best receiving corps in the league with three Pro Bowl-caliber players. The return of Gordon will have minimal impact on Jarvis Landry. The Browns are still expecting him to be the number one option out of the slot role.
Josh Gordon Profile
Josh Gordon committed to Baylor in 2009 and only caught one pass his freshman year. His best season came in 2010 as he caught 42 passes for 714 yards and seven touchdowns. However, Gordon then ran into his first issue with drugs as he was hit with a suspension in 2011 for failing a drug test. After the suspension, Gordon transferred to Utah where he sat out for one season. Gordon was eventually selected in the second round by the Browns after he entered the supplemental draft.
Gordon’s best season came in 2013 when he had 87 catches for 1,646 yards and 9 touchdowns in only 14 games. Unfortunately, this was Gordon’s last productive season. He was hit with a series of suspensions that held him out of the league for 3 years. Gordon finally came back into the league last year, though, appearing in the Browns’ last five games of the season.
