Gordon ‘humbly’ returns to Browns after health absence
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 for much of his life, Saturday ended an extended absence from training camp to deal with his health and returned to the team. Gordon has missed most of the past four seasons because of numerous violations of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, derailing a promising career.
“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. He remained in contact with Jackson and a few teammates and promised to come back when he felt ready.
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.
Gordon has missed 54 of Cleveland’s past 64 games.
Cowboys’ Martin injured in loss
Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott led a pair of scoring drives in three possessions, capped with a scrambling 6-yard scoring pass to Terrance Williams before Cincinnati rallied after halftime for a 21-13 exhibition victory.
The concern for the Cowboys (0-2) was the status of four-time Pro Bowl guard Zack Martin, who left early with a knee injury. There was no immediate update on the severity of the injury.
Cowboys safety Xavier Woods left the game in the first half with a hamstring injury.
Kelly, Warren shine in exhibition
Rookie John Kelly rushed for 56 yards and a touchdown, and the Los Angeles Rams welcomed the Raiders back to the Coliseum with a 19-15 preseason victory over Oakland.
Chris Warren, a rookie from the University of Texas, rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown for the Raiders in their return to the venerable stadium that was their home for 13 seasons during their largely successful tenure in Los Angeles.
Eagles’ QB Wentz to return to practice
Philadelphia quarterback Carson Wentz is expected to practice 11-on-11 when the Eagles take the field Sunday.
This does not mean that Wentz, who has been sidelined following knee surgery, is cleared for contact or will start the season opener, Sept. 6 against the Falcons. But it is a step in that direction.
Wentz addressed his progress last week in a news conference, saying he wants to get back to practice and show Doug Pederson that “I look comfortable; I look confident. And I know I will. The reps I have gotten, in (seven-on-seven) and everything, I feel confident in both my knee and this scheme and offense. Hopefully, I can just jump right back into where I left off.”
Odds and ends
The Bears lost defensive lineman Leonard Floyd to a hand injury and tight end Adam Shaheen to an ankle injury during the first half at Denver. … Paul Naumoff, the former Pro Bowl linebacker who spent 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions, has died. He was 73. Larry Click, funeral director at Click Funeral Home, said Naumoff died Friday at his home in Lenoir City, Tenn. Naumoff played for the Lions from 1967-7 and reached the Pro Bowl in the 1970 season.