Gordon to return
SeahawksWR and Lamar, Baylor product had been suspended since 2019.
RENTON, Wash. — Josh Gordon was conditionally reinstated by the NFL on Thursday and can begin the process of joining the Seattle Seahawks’ roster as early as Friday.
Commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated Gordon after nearly a one-year suspension following his latest off-field transgression for violations of the league’s substance abuse policies. Gordon, a product of Lamar High and Baylor, was suspended in December 2019 for violating the league’s drug policy. He tested positive for performance enhancers and “substances of abuse,” the league said in a statement at the time.
It was the eighth time overall Gordon had been suspended by either his team or the NFL, including six times since 2013, mostly for violating the league’s policies on banned substances.
But his time in Seattle last season was mostly positive, and the Seahawks signed Gordon in September knowing there would be no guarantee that Gordon would be reinstated during the 2020 season.
The league said Gordon can begin COVID-19 testing on Friday and may begin attending team and individual meetings next Wednesday should his tests come back negative. He can also begin individual workouts and strength and conditioning.
Gordon cannot practice with the team until Dec. 21 following Seattle’s Week 15 game at Washington. Gordon would be eligible to play in Seattle’s final two regular-season games.
The former All-Pro signed with Seattle midway through last season after he was released by New England. He made a strong impression in the Seahawks’ locker room even with limited production on the field. Gordon had seven catches for 139 yards over five games.
A 2012 second-round draft pick by Cleveland, Gordon was also suspended for the first two games of the 2013 season for a substance-abuse policy violation, yet still caught 87 passes for nine touchdowns and a league-leading 1,646 yards and was voted to the All-Pro team.
Bengals’ Burrow has knee surgery
Cincinnati Bengals rookie quarterback Joe Burrow had knee surgery and is expected to make a full recovery, the team said.
The Bengals said Burrow’s procedure Wednesday “went as planned and he is expected to make a complete recovery.”
Burrow’s season ended Nov. 22 when he was hit by Washington pass-rushers and his leg was bent severely. The structural damage in his left knee required surgery, and he has extensive rehabilitation ahead. Coach Zac Taylor has said he expects Burrow to be ready to play again at some point next season.
Burrow led LSU to the 2019 national championship and won the Heisman Trophy. He was the top overall draft pick by Cincinnati.
He threw for 2,668 yards and 13 touchdowns and five interceptions in his rookie year.
In the first game with former practice squad quarterback Brandon Allen replacing Burrow, the Bengals lost to the Giants 19-17 last week. They face the Dolphins on Sunday.
Odds and ends
49ers receiver Deebo Samuel was held out of Thursday’s practice for routine maintenance because of a hamstring injury that sidelined him for three games earlier this season. Cornerback K’Waun Williams (ankle) also sat and won’t play against the Bills. … Ravens quarterback Robert Griffin III strained a hamstring Wednesday against the Steelers and may not be available Tuesday against the Cowboys to back up starter Lamar Jackson.