Browns set to release troubled WR Gordon
CLEVELAND – Josh Gordon’s troubled tenure with the Cleveland Browns has ended.
The team announced Saturday night that it intends to release the former Pro Bowl wide receiver, whose immense talent has been overshadowed by substance abuse that has derailed a promising career.
The stunning news came just hours after the Browns said Gordon would miss Sunday’s game in New Orleans with a hamstring injury. Gordon has been suspended by the NFL for most of the past four seasons because of multiple drug violations, and the Browns have been supportive of the 27-yearold for years as he tried to get his life together.
Not anymore.
“This afternoon we informed Josh Gordon and his representatives that we are going to release him on Monday,” general manager John Dorsey said in a statement. “For the past six years, the Browns have fully supported and invested in Josh, both personally and professionally and wanted the best for him, but unfortunately we’ve reached a point where we feel it’s best to part ways and move forward. We wish Josh well.”
The team provided no details behind their decision to part ways with Gordon. He missed three weeks of training camp this summer to undergo counseling and treatment, and he recently said he was in a good place mentally and physically.
Gordon played in last week’s season opener against Pittsburgh, his first appearance in a Week 1 game since 2012, when he was a rookie.
Rodgers returns to Packers practice after injuring knee: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has taken part in practice for the first time this week after being held out with a left knee injury.
Rodgers was a participant in practice on Saturday after being held out on Wednesday and Thursday to focus on rehab ahead of this weekend’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Fridays are a rest and recovery day. The Packers usually hold a light practice on Saturdays.
Kendricks to play for Seahawks on Monday night vs. Bears: New Seattle Seahawks linebacker Mychal Kendricks will play Monday night against the Chicago Bears.
Seattle coach Pete Carroll said Saturday that Kendricks would make his Seattle debut due to major injuries at linebacker. The Seahawks ruled out both of its starting linebackers, K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner, due to injuries. Wright is still a week away from returning from minor knee surgery and Wagner suffered a groin injury in Week 1.
Kendricks pleaded guilty to insider trading charges last week. He’s not expected to be sentenced in the case until January and the NFL has yet to impose any discipline meaning he’s eligible to play.
Jaguars promote Wilds in case Fournette doesn’t play vs Pats: The Jacksonville Jaguars have promoted running back Brandon Wilds from the practice squad, making a roster move in case Leonard Fournette doesn’t play against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
The Jaguars made room for Wilds on the 53-man roster by releasing receiver Rashad Greene, a fifth-round draft pick in 2015. Greene was inactive for the season opener.
Fournette strained his right hamstring against the New York Giants last week and missed practice all week.