Gordon sits this one out
Pats decide to keep WR on sideline
PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK
DETROIT — Josh Gordon’s debut with the Patriots must wait another week.
The highly touted receiver traveled with the team to Detroit, but was inactive for last night’s matchup.
Although Gordon’s hamstring injury is not considered serious, it did limit his reps throughout his first week of practice with the Pats. Given the importance of timing and precision in the Patriots offense, the team considered it was best to let Gordon get an additional week of practice reps under his belt before making his debut.
Wearing a flat-brimmed Patriots hat and a sleeveless T-shirt, Gordon spent about an hour working out on the field prior to kickoff. He ran short routes and caught passes from the team’s character coach, Jack Easterby. He took part in dynamic stretching with several other inactive players. Gordon playfully greeted pass rush consultant Joe Kim, who previously worked for the Browns, by showing off a few pass-rush moves of his own.
After his extended workout had concluded, Gordon jogged to the stands to sign autographs and take photos with a few fans.
The Patriots have big plans for Gordon, so it’s reasonable that they’re taking it slow with him. The team’s needs at wide receiver were obvious in the opening minutes of last night’s game. Phillip Dorsett dropped a pair of passes on the first two possessions, and Chris Hogan struggled to get open.
The Pats went three-and-out on each of their first three drives.
New faces
Three Patriots made their NFL debuts, as rookie cornerbacks Keion Crossen and J.C. Jackson, and second-year defensive end Derek Rivers suited up for the first time.
Rivers, who missed his entire rookie season with a torn ACL, entered on third downs as an extra rusher.
Third-year cornerback Cyrus Jones also saw his first action of the 2018 season. Jones was cut by the Patriots at the end of the summer. He latched on with the Ravens’ practice squad, and the Patriots decided to bring him back.
Because he was signed off another team’s practice squad, Jones must remain on the Patriots’ active roster for a minimum of three weeks.
Cannon returns
Right tackle Marcus Cannon returned to the lineup following a one-week absence. Cannon missed the Week 2 game due to a lingering calf injury that was initially suffered on Aug. 1.
After a solid week of practice, Cannon resumed his role as the starting right tackle . . . .
The Patriots were down two starters on the back end of their defense, as strong safety Patrick Chung (concussion) and cornerback Eric Rowe (groin) missed last night’s game.
How did the Pats fill the voids? Jason McCourty earned his first start as a Patriot, lining up opposite Stephon Gilmore as the No. 2 cornerback.
Devin McCourty assumed strong safety duties, while Duron Harmon handled free safety.
Almost a Lion?
After skipping voluntary offseason workouts, Rob Gronkowski was the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason.
Turns out the Patriots nearly dealt him to the Lions.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, a blockbuster deal that would have shipped Gronkowski to Detroit was “nearly completed.” Gronkowski then voiced his desire to play only in New England with Tom Brady.
Gronkowski didn’t receive a new contract, but the Pats increased his potential earnings for 2018 by introducing incentives — he can earn up to $4.3 million if he reaches certain statistical benchmarks.