Gordon out with injury
Published 3:13 am Wednesday, July 27, 2016
CLEVELAND (AP) — Josh Gordon’s return to football has been sidetracked again.
The oft-suspended Browns wide receiver, who was reinstated on a conditional basis by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday, has a quadriceps injury that will keep him out of training camp for at least two weeks.
It’s a new setback for Gordon, who hasn’t played since 2014 and was suspended all of last season for multiple drug violations.
Gordon reported to camp on Tuesday — two days before Cleveland’s veterans were required to arrive — and after he took a physical it was determined he needs time to recover from the injury sustained while working out on his own.
The Browns placed Gordon on the active/non-football injury list. Gordon also met with head of football operations Sashi Brown, coach Hue Jackson and others within the organization who laid out their expectations for the 25-year-old.
Jackson, who attended Tuesday night’s game between the Indians and Washington Nationals, declined to comment on Gordon’s situation.
Also, the Browns placed cornerback Joe Haden (left ankle) on the active/physically unable to perform list. A former Pro Bowler, Haden is continuing to rehab from surgery in March. Haden missed much of last season with concussions.
Rookie tight end Seth DeValve (hamstring), a fourth-round draft pick, is also on the PUP list.
With the urging of Browns Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown, Goodell decided to give Gordon another chance to resurrect his career, which was filled with so much promise after he led the league in yards receiving in 2013 and made the Pro Bowl despite being suspended for two games. However, Gordon has been in a tailspin since then and the Browns have patiently waited for him to be cleared.
The injury won’t help Gordon’s standing with the Browns or their fans, many of whom are wondering why the team doesn’t move on from a player who has been little more than a distraction for several years.
Gordon has missed 27 of a possible 32 games the past two seasons. He will be suspended for the first four games this season and will be eligible to return on Oct. 3, days before the Browns host the New England Patriots.