BEREA, Ohio -- Josh Gordon has been well aware how close he is to returning to the Cleveland Browns.
He’s been aware of it for some time, in fact.
“I see him in passing in the hallway and I always ask him how many days,” offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said. “and he always knows the exact number of days. So he’s been itching at this for a while.”
Monday is the day Gordon is slated to return. He should take part in his first practice since training camp on Wednesday.
Gordon has been suspended for 10 games for failing the NFL’s Substance Abuse Policy. His original suspension was for the season, but when the league and players' union agreed to a new program, it was reduced to 10 games.
His return could be a potential boon to the Browns offense, but even without Gordon the passing game and the offense has been effective.
Last week General Manager Ray Farmer said Gordon had to fit in, but Shanahan admitted he “can’t wait” for Gordon to return.
Why wouldn’t he be eager? Gordon led the league in receiving yards a year ago, has incredible ability and is an added bonus to a team contending for a playoff spot.
“It’ll be a great bonus,” Shanahan said. “I’m aware of how good Josh is and what he did last year and how talented he is. I’m as excited as anyone to get him back.”
Gordon has been able to work in the facility, and do workouts in the weight room. However, he can’t do them with the rest of the team and he can’t work with coaches.
Shanahan said he didn’t even know if Gordon was catching passes from a quarterback somewhere.
“I think he does Juggs machines and stuff,” he said. “I don’t know the rules with that and I’m not allowed to see him do any football stuff. I know he’s been working. I know he’s been working hard. I know he has a program with the Juggs machine every day. To answer that question, it’s mainly a machine throwing to him.”
The only question is whether he’s in football shape and ready to work.
“I know he’s working,” Shanahan said. “So I’d be surprised if he wasn’t. Anytime you’re out of football, practicing and stuff does take some time. I’m looking forward to that next week.”