Browns: Gordon comes to camp, ‘no timetable’ on practising
CLEVELAND— Josh Gordon kept his word and “humbly” returned to the Cleveland Browns.
The former Pro Bowl wide receiver, who has battled drug and alcohol dependence, ended an extended absence from training camp to deal with his health and returned to the team Saturday.
Gordon has missed most of the past four seasons because of numerous violations of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, derailing a promising career.
He’s back, but the Browns can’t guarantee it will last.
“I’m confident that he’s here and I think that’s the most important part,” coach Hue Jackson said Saturday. “How long he stays, only Josh knows that, but I think he’s in a much better place … I never lost trust in him.”
Gordon stepped away to focus on his health just before camp opened last month.
The 27-year-old posted a statement on Twitter addressed to “Cleveland Browns and NFL family,” saying it was time.
“I took the time needed to ensure my overall mental and physical health,” Gordon said. “This has by no means been an easy road and I’m extremely grateful to have all of you in my life. As I humbly return to being a member of this team with an opportunity to get back to playing this game I love, I realize in order for me to reach my full potential my primary focus must remain on my sobriety and mental well-being.
“Let’s get to work! Much love, JG.”
Gordon, who has missed 54 of Cleveland’s past 64 games since leading the NFL with 1,646 yards receiving in 2013, is limited during the initial stages of his return.
NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said Gordon can participate in meetings and conditioning.
“He cannot practice but may watch,” he said in an email to The Associated Press. “No timetable on next steps.”
Gordon was conditionally reinstated last season. He caught 18 passes for 335 yards in five games.