Gordon ‘humbly’ returns to Browns
Josh Gordon kept his word and “humbly” returned to the Cleveland Browns.
All they can do is hope he stays clean. 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.
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. He remained in contact with Jackson and a few teammates and promised to come back when he felt ready.
Gordon, who has missed 54 of Cleveland’s past 64 games, is not facing another suspension but he’s limited during the initial stages of his return.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Gordon can participate in meetings and conditioning.
Jackson doesn’t know when Gordon will be allowed to practice and said “there’s a chance” he will be able to play in the Sept. 9 season opener against Pittsburgh.
“He understands that he has to earn the right to be back out there, nothing is going to be given,” Jackson said.
Robinson gets the nod: Former Kansas City Chiefs safety Johnny Robinson was selected as the Seniors Finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2019.
Robinson was picked by the Hall of Fame’s Seniors Committee.
Robinson played 12 seasons for the Dallas-Kansas City franchise from 1960-’71, starting as a first-round pick in the American Football League’s first draft.
Robinson was a member of the Texans’ 1962 AFL championship team and the Chiefs’ 1969 Super Bowl-winning squad. He was voted to seven Pro Bowls, received all-league recognition six straight years and was named to the AFL’s All-Time Team.
The Hall’s Selection Committee, at its annual meeting Feb. 2 in Atlanta, will consider 18 finalists, including Robinson, two contributors and 15 modernera finalists.
McCarron injured: The Buffalo Bills might have had a wrench thrown into their quarterback competition.
AJ McCarron suffered a hairline fracture of the collarbone Friday night against the Cleveland Browns.
McCarron started for the Bills, completing three of six passes for 12 yards in four drives. He was later ruled out for the remainder of the game with what the team called a right shoulder injury.
The fourth-year veteran is competing with rookie first-round pick Josh Allen and Nathan Peterman for Buffalo's starting job.