FIRST-AND-10
BLOWBACK: Josh Gordon has not spoken with Cleveland media since April 29, but in a YouTube-posted interview with OnDeckEr.com this week, Gordon blamed secondhand marijuana smoke for triggering the failed drug test that helped get him suspended for the year. Additionally, he insisted he is not a drug addict. “This incident has been causing a backlash of negative attention and negative media of me being an addict or junkie or using drugs terribly too much, which is definitely not the case.”
THE VIGIL: The Cardinals are still in wait-and-see mode with OLB Jonathan Abraham, who left the team this week and is mulling retirement after sustaining a concussion in the Cardinals’ opener vs. San Diego. Abraham is ninth on the all-time sacks list with 1331⁄ 2.
PLAY ON: Carolina DE Greg Hardy was convicted of assault on a woman July 15 (he’s appealing), but will start today for the Panthers. The NFL has said it will await the outcome of Hardy’s second trial that begins Nov. 17 before handing out any punishment.
IRON MAN: Impressive stat of the day: Browns Pro Bowl LT Joe Thomas has played 6,987 consecutive snaps since entering league in 2007. AH, DAD! Larry Fitzgerald Sr. caused a ruckus in the desert this week after son Larry Jr. had just one catch in the Cardinals’ win vs. San Diego. Tweeted Dad: “The world saw on Monday night football the politics and business of football. If it’s been decided that you are not getting the ball, just win.” Responded Junior: “It’s hard to make news with one catch. My dad seemed to find a way to do it.”
BENCHED: EA SPORTS has handed down its own punishment of Ray Rice. The next update of the Madden 15 video game will wipe Rice completely from the game. MOVING UP: Saints QB Drew Brees needs 62 yards passing vs. Cleveland to pass John Elway (51,475) for fourth on the NFL career yardage list.
QUICK HITS: The Steelers-Ravens game — CBS’ Thursday night debut — attracted an estimated 20.9 million viewers, up from 11 million for the first non-opener last year when it was solely on the NFL Network. … Dallas TE Jay Witten needs 187 yards to become the third tight end with 10,000 yards receiving. … Former NFL QB Scott Mitchell made his debut on NBC weight-loss show the biggest loser Thursday. After his NFL career ended, Mitchell, 46, admits his weight ballooned from 240 to 366.