Patriots’ Gordon banned for violation of drug pact
New England wide receiver Josh Gordon was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for violating an agreement that allowed him to play after multiple drug suspensions.
The news came several hours after Gordon, 27, said he was stepping away from football to focus on his mental health.
Gordon has been suspended several times by the NFL for violations of its drug policies since being drafted by Cleveland in 2012 and missed the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons.
He had 40 receptions for 720 yards and three touchdowns with the Patriots, five years removed from an All-pro season in 2013 with 87 catches for 1,646 yards and nine TDS. NFL career. He also has been sacked a career-high 48 times. Carr can become the sixth quarterback in league history to exceed 4,000 yards and surpass 50 sacks in the same year.
He’d be only the second to throw fewer than 15 interceptions in the process. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was the first in 2012. Amid 51 sacks, he recorded 4,295 yards, 39 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Carr enters Monday evening’s game against the Denver Broncos with 3,697 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight picks.
Carr hasn’t thrown an interception in a franchise-record nine consecutive games.
“I think he’s done well,” coach Jon Gruden said Thursday. “Obviously, he’s taken some sacks. We have to improve on that. Not just the offensive line and the play-calling — he has to improve on that. He’ll tell you that.
“But I think he’s a heck of a quarterback. We lost some receivers. We lost some running backs. We lost several linemen. He’s continuing to be productive. He’s totally into it. He’s totally invested. I’m excited about that.”
It would not surprise if Carr eclipses 50 sacks for the year Monday, given he’s been sacked at least three times in 11 of the past 12 games.
Broncos outside linebackers Von Miller and Bradley Chubb also are the NFL’S most productive pass-rush duo. Miller is tied for second in the NFL with 14½ sacks; Chubb has 12. The entire Raiders defense has 12.
Notable
Signed to the practice squad on Wednesday, Nathan Peterman was the Raiders’ only available backup to Carr during Thursday’s practice. A.J. Mccarron was in Alabama, Gruden said, with his wife who recently gave birth.
Left guard Kelechi Osemele (toe) worked Thursday as a full participant. It was his first practice since Dec. 6. Osemele, who missed the past two games, is expected to start Monday.
Cornerback Gareon Conley was one of six limited participants in practice. He suffered a concussion Sunday versus the Cincinnati Bengals. The other five were safety Karl Joseph (neck), center Rodney Hudson (ankle, knee), tight end Lee Smith (back), fullback Keith Smith (calf ) and linebacker Kyle Wilber (hamstring).
Defensive tackle Mo Hurst Jr. (ankle) and cornerback Daryl Worley (shoulder) did not practice. Each has dealt with his respective ailment for weeks.