NFL clears Josh Gordon to play

HAMSTRING HOLDING BACK TROUBLED RECEIVER

Josh Gordon got the go-ahead from the NFL to practice. Now one of his hamstrings is holding him back.

The former Pro Bowl wide receiver, whose career has been derailed by drug and alcohol addictions, was released by the league on Saturday to resume all on-field activities with the Browns after being limited to attending meetings, working out and watching practice since returning from a three-week absence.

“He’s now cleared to return to all activities, including games,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said in an email to The Associated Press.

Gordon took part in the team’s pre-practice walk-through on the field after the team removed him from the active/non-football injury list. The team was going to bring him along slowly, and then that plan got altered because Gordon “tweaked” his hamstring a few days ago.

“I am not going to put him out there until I think he is totally ready to go,” coach Hue Jackson said following practice. “Hopefully, we will work through that. A little minor setback, but we will get him out there soon.”

The Browns have eagerly awaited the chance to get Gordon back on the field since he returned on Aug. 24 after leaving on the eve of training camp to receive treatment and counselling in Florida connected to his struggle with drug and alcohol dependence.

Jackson had hoped to play the 27-year-old receiver in this week’s exhibition finale against Detroit, so Gordon would be ready to face Pittsburgh in the Sept. 9 opener. However, the hamstring issue has put everything on hold.

Jackson said it’s unlikely that Gordon will face the Lions on Thursday.

“I don’t want to stick him out there if there’s a chance we will not have him for the opener,” Jackson said. “I want to make sure he’s ready to go.”