CLEVELAND -- All-Pro receiver Josh Gordon returns to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, his 10-game suspension for failing an NFL drug test completed. It seems to come at a good time as the Browns' offense struggled in a 23-7 loss to Houston.
What can we expect with Gordon back in the locker room and on the field? Here are five things:
Very little disruption. Gordon has created problems with his off-field behavior, but he’s not a problem for his team as long as he stays on the field. Gordon gets along with teammates, does not do a lot to draw attention to himself and plays hard on Sundays. His problem is he keeps getting suspended, which is caused by his actions away from the team. On the field, well, he led the NFL in receiving yards last season with 1,646 despite missing two games because of a suspension. “More than the talent on the field, I think what we’re most excited about is to get Josh back for his personality,” receiver Andrew Hawkins said. “Just to be around the guys. He’s a great teammate, something a lot of people don’t understand about Josh.”
Gordon will be humble but defiant. Gordon told ESPN's Liz Merrill earlier this season that he hasn’t smoked pot since college, and he “didn’t do it,” referring to the positive drug test. If Gordon addresses the issue at all, he will maintain his innocence, but will try to focus on the future.
The "is he in football shape" watch begins immediately. This is the lingering question: Is Gordon football ready? Coach Mike Pettine and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan both said they can’t watch Gordon work out, so they don’t know what kind of shape he’s in. If he’s football ready, he walks in and plays. If he’s not, there may be some juggling. “This is a player that’s missed ... it’s probably around 75 to 80 days and 10 games and a preseason game,” Pettine said. “It’s a significant amount of time not having contact and being apart. I just don’t know if you walk back in and are able to be functional.” Gordon is such a natural athlete he may be ready to go right away in Atlanta.
He may be poised to have a big game on Sunday. If history is any indicator, and if Gordon is in football shape, expect him to produce against the Falcons. Gordon came off a two-game suspension a year ago in Minnesota with vigor. In a win over the Vikings, Gordon had 10 receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown, and a run for 22 yards. That game catapulted him to a historic season for the Browns.
His teammates will welcome him with open arms. General Manager Ray Farmer talked about Gordon having to fit in with what the offense is doing. His teammates were having none of the “fit in” spin. “Josh Gordon literally to any of the 32 teams in the NFL would be a significant upgrade,” Hawkins said. “I’m excited for us as a team and I’m excited for him,” Miles Austin said. “We know how great of a player he is.” It should be noted that the two guys on the team whose playing time may be most affected by Gordon’s return are Austin and Hawkins. Neither had any hesitation about welcoming him back, or about his fitting in. “Josh Gordon is Josh Gordon,” Hawkins said. “We’ll make sure he fits in.”