BROWNS DROP TROUBLED WIDE RECEIVER GORDON
The Cleveland Browns are going to release troubled wide receiver Josh Gordon.
The stunning news came Saturday, just hours after the team announced that Gordon would miss today’s game in New Orleans with what was called a hamstring injury. Gordon has been suspended for most of the past four seasons because of multiple drug violations.
The 27-year-old missed training camp to undergo counseling and treatment. He played in the season opener last week, his first Week 1 game since 2012.
Browns general manager John Dorsey said in a statement that the team has informed Gordon’s representatives that he will be released Monday.
“For the past six years, the Browns have fully supported and invested in Josh, both personally and professionally and wanted the best for him, but unfortunately we’ve reached a point where we feel it’s best to part ways and move forward,” he said.
The Browns will be missing three other starters today: defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah (ankle), linebacker Christian Kirksey (shoulder/ ankle) and tight end Seth DeValve (hamstring).
Packers: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers took part in practice for the first time this week after being held out with a left knee injury.
Rodgers was a participant in practice on Saturday after being held out on Wednesday and Thursday to focus on rehab ahead of this weekend’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Fridays are a rest and recovery day. The Packers usually hold a light practice on Saturdays.
Rodgers said he sprained his knee in the second quarter of last week’s season opener over the Chicago Bears. He left the field on a cart but returned in the second half to throw three touchdown passes to help rally the Packers to victory.
Rodgers is listed as questionable on the injury report. Coach Mike McCarthy has said the two-time MVP quarterback would be evaluated on a daily basis.
Bills: Cut veteran receiver Jeremy Kerley in a surprise move that further depletes their depth at the position. Kerley was released Saturday so the Bills could sign defensive tackle Robert Thomas off their practice squad.
The Bills ruled out defensive end Shaq Lawson (hamstring) and rookie cornerback Taron Johnson (shoulder) for today’s game against the Chargers.
Raiders: Rookie defensive tackle P.J. Hall will miss today’s game at Denver with an ankle injury. The Raiders announced they will be without Hall and fellow starter Justin Ellis, who was placed on injured reserve earlier in the week with a foot injury.
Cardinals: Starting right tackle Andre Smith has been declared out for today’s game against the Rams in Los Angeles. Smith injured his elbow in last Sunday’s season-opening loss at home to Washington. John Wetzel will move into Smith’s spot.
Suspension: Former linebacker Dylan Donahue was suspended 14 weeks by the NFL for violating its substance abuse policy. The 26-year-old Donahue pleaded guilty last month to charges stemming from two separate arrests for suspicion of driving while intoxicated.