From the time his suspension was reduced, fans and fantasy players alike have awaited Josh Gordon's return. Once the new drug agreement was finalized by the NFL and NFLPA, many speculated that Gordon and other suspended players could see their suspensions lifted or reduced. For Gordon, it was the latter, and he saw his season-long ban reduced to 10 games.
New Drug Policy Reduces Gordon's Suspension
As the NFL season enters its 11th week, Gordon's return has all but arrived. The Cleveland Browns had their bye during week four, making this Sunday's game their 10th of the season and the final one that Gordon cannot play in. According to Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland, Gordon is expected to rejoin the team on Tuesday, November 18 when the team returns to practice following their game against Houston.
If all goes well, WR Josh Gordon will rejoin #Browns one week from today.
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) November 11, 2014
Gordon's first game comes the following Sunday when Cleveland travels to Atlanta to face the Falcons. Head Coach Mike Pettine repeatedly stated that the team will not force the ball to Gordon once he gets back on the field, but the season-long injury woes to star tight end Jordan Cameron and the recent injury to fellow wide receiver Andrew Hawkins mean that Gordon will almost certainly see a sizeable workload from the outset.
Will Gordon's Return Influence Cleveland's QB Situation?
General Manager Ray Farmer echoed Pettine's sentiments about not forcing the ball to Gordon, but Browns fans and fantasy owners all remember the devastating force that Gordon was during the 2013 season.
Many fantasy owners have stashed Gordon for weeks so that he can help their playoff runs, and he figures to be a game-changer in the fantasy landscape, as he will immediately be an elite wide receiver option. For the Browns, the stakes are much simpler and much higher. They lead the AFC North and have their sights set on the playoffs. If Gordon proves to be the devastating force that he was last year, they may start dreaming of chasing the Lombardi Trophy.
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