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Wide receiver Josh Gordon is back in action for the New England Patriots. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Gordon is in full pads at Sunday’s practice, in turn, putting him off of the NFI list (non-football injury).
WR Josh Gordon (10) is dressed in full pads at practice today, which is an indication he is being removed from the non-football injury list. pic.twitter.com/nW0vGX27dA
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 25, 2019
Many presumed Gordon’s career was over late in 2018. He received an indefinite ban from the NFL for violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement under the NFL drug policy in December. But, the NFL broke the news last week that Gordon is back, with no suspension, giving him the ability to play Week 1. Commissioner Roger Goodell put out a statement on the news, saying,
“We are all rooting for Josh to succeed, both personally and professionally. Everyone shares in that hope and will continue to support him to every extent possible. But as Josh acknowledged, ultimately his success is up to him.”
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick also put out a statement, that was a bit less rosy than Goodell’s.
“For the past eight months, Josh’s situation has been entirely a league matter. When Josh returns to our program, we will evaluate the entire situation and do what we feel is best for Josh and the team.”
Now that Gordon is back, Tom Brady has one of his favorite deep ball receivers. After Gordon’s trade from the Cleveland Browns to New England, he put up 40 receptions for 720 yards and three scores on 18 yards per catch in 11 games.
He joins one of the NFL’s deepest receiving depth chart that includes Julian Edelman, N’Keal Harry, and Demaryius Thomas.