Gordon, 25, was originally drafted by the Browns in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Baylor.
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“[The Browns] hope that he can return to being the premier receiver they indicated he could be”, Cole said of Gordon. Gordon had 1,646 receiving yards during the 2013 season. The receiver is also eligible to play in each of Cleveland’s four preseason games. The Browns have their first practice of training camp Friday. During his four-game suspension, Gordon may participate in team meetings and other activities but can’t practice or play in games. All his suspensions were related to the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
When Gordon returned from, you guessed it, another suspension in 2014 he was a tick off the level of dominance he established in the previous season. By that time, you’ve missed all of training camp and really aren’t well-acclimated to the team or the offense. In fact, he has been permitted to remain with his team during his four-game suspension.
The decision regarding Gordon’s denied reinstatement back in April came one day after multiple media outlets reported that he failed a drug test in March when a urine sample showed an amount of marijuana lower than the threshold required. Gordon was reinstated after 10 games, but was suspended for the final game of the year by the Browns for violating team rules. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still rooting for Pryor this camp, but when you work through the numbers, he figures to be the most-likely odd man out.
First-year coach Hue Jackson has mostly steered clear of discussing Gordon or the player’s future during his first months with Cleveland. The NFL sacks leader last season with 171/2 is expected to be ready for the season opener.
If the wide receiver is able to return to form and rookie Corey Coleman blooms, the Browns would have a potentially exciting wideout group to watch out for in the 2016-2017 season.
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Josh Gordon’s vast talent came together in full during the 2013 season.
