Cleveland has tried to establish an environment in which the embattled Gordon could thrive, and many around league believe first-year head coach Hue Jackson is the right coach for him. Less than two months later, he was suspended indefinitely for multiple violations of the NFL’s drug policies.
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There’s a chance Gordon – who is suspended for the first four games of the regular season but can play in exhibition games – will play in the Browns’ third preseason game Friday against the Buccaneers.
Since Gordon won’t be able to practice during his suspension, his involvement with the first-team offense ahead of Week 1 is one way Jackson intends to prepare him for his eventual return.
Those who then clicked through to Schefter’s Facebook post (we know you didn’t, and we don’t blame you) then learned the Browns are not actually trying to trade Gordon, so this was really a nonstory. Part of the belief stems from the presence of his friends in the locker room, including starting quarterback and former Baylor University teammate Robert Griffin III, cornerback Joe Haden, rookie wide receiver Corey Coleman and wide receiver Terrelle Pryor.
Before Gordon’s off-field issues became a major issue, defending him was a huge problem for opposing defenses. “We have to put him out there and see what he is capable of doing”.
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Perhaps the biggest stumbling block in trading Gordon is what the fair market is for him. They are desperately in need of a top wide receiver, considering they haven’t had a wide out that reached the 1,000-yard mark since Gordon did it in 2013. “It still looks effortless”. “I’m confident in my abilities”. “I know he’ll be ready when he steps out there”. “But I definitely am aware of what I can do and I think I can build upon that and do even better”.
