Dez to the Browns?

Cleveland general manager John Dorsey said Wednesday the Browns have discussed signing Dez Bryant as they await Josh Gordon’s return from rehab.

While Josh Gordon's away, the Browns may launch Plan B with their wide receivers.

Former Oklahoma State standout Dez Bryant is on their radar.

As they await clarity on Gordon's cloudy situation, Cleveland general manager John Dorsey said Wednesday the team has discussed signing Bryant, the former Dallas star released by the Cowboys in April.

Gordon, a former Pro Bowler, is missing the start of training camp as part of his treatment to battle drug and alcohol addictions, and the team does not known when — or if — the 27-yearold will be back.

Dorsey said he "absolutely" expects Gordon to return in 2018.

"I'm going to respect Josh's privacy and I will continue to say that and let him do what he has to do moving forward," Dorsey said. "Then, when he comes back, we'll embrace him."

In the meantime, the Browns have interest in Bryant, a three-time Pro Bowler and one of the game's top playmakers since 2010.

"He's a very talented player," Dorsey said. "Have we had discussions about Dez Bryant? Yeah, that's natural. You're going to have discussions like that. Now, we'll see what comes to fruition in the next couple days, but we've talked about it."

Jerry Jones: Cowboys can't stay in locker room during anthem

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has doubled down on insisting that his players stand for the national anthem, saying he wouldn't support anyone who chose to stay in the locker room.

Jones was speaking Wednesday at his annual news conference to open training camp in California. He became the first owner to declare publicly that his players would not be allowed to stay off the field during the anthem.

Jones said, "Our policy is that you stand at the anthem, toe on the line."

Last week, the NFL and the players' union agreed to suspend the rule approved by owners this spring that gave players the option of staying in the locker room while allowing teams to discipline players who took a knee or sat during the anthem.

Bielema joins Patriots as consultant

Bret Bielema officially has a new job back in football.

The former University of Arkansas head coach will be serving as a consultant to New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick this upcoming season. Bielema has been working with the team since this spring. His new title was listed in the Patriots team media guide. This is Bielema's first NFL position.

Redskins’ McGee, Holsey to begin camp on sidelines

Washington Redskins coach Jay Gruden says former Oklahoma defensive lineman

Stacy McGee and cornerback

Joshua Holsey will begin training camp on the physically unable to perform list.

McGee had core-muscle surgery, and Holsey is dealing with a foot injury.

Players who are recovering from surgeries, notably former OU left tackle Trent Williams (knee), running back

Chris Thompson (knee) and tight end Jordan Reed (toe) will be integrated into camp as they're able to ramp up activity, according to Gruden.

Sherman cleared to practice for 49ers

Richard Sherman has been cleared to practice for the San Francisco 49ers at the start of training camp.

Sherman joined San Francisco after getting released by rival Seattle following season-ending surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon. He was unable to participate in the offseason program but pronounced himself 100 percent when he reported to camp Wednesday and will take part in the team's first practice Thursday.

Falcons GM, coach sign extensions

Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff and coach Dan Quinn, who have led the team to the playoffs the last two seasons, have signed three-year contract extensions. The deals were announced Wednesday. Financial terms were not disclosed.

FROM WIRE REPORTS