Talented wide receiver Josh Gordon won't be joining the Cleveland Browns at the start of training camp this Thursday in Berea.
Gordon, who missed the most part of his career due to drug-related issues, said that a current health and treatment plan will keep him away from the practice field. Gordon made it into the league after being selected by the Browns in the NFL Supplemental Draft in 2012.
"To my Cleveland Browns and NFL family, I am reaching out to you all personally and letting you know that I am not only doing great physically but mentally as well. You will notice that I will not be in Cleveland for the start of training camp. Rest assured this too is a part of my overall health and treatment plan," Gordon wrote on Twitter.
According to league spokesman Brian McCarthy, the Browns will place Gordon on the non-football injury list, citing that the latter has not been suspended. McCarthy added that there's no timetable for Gordon's return to the football pitch.
The 27-year-old Gordon, who did not suit up for the Browns during the 2015 and 2016 seasons, returned to action in November last year on a conditional reinstatement. Gordon is currently in Stage Three of the league's Substance Abuse Program.
Gordon revealed that he never played a game sober before last season. The Browns star spent 90 days in a rehab facility in Gainesville. He is subject to random testing for at least 10 times a month.
Browns To Keep Gordon
Regardless of his off-court problems, the Browns have no plans of moving Gordon, who is coming off a great offseason. Gordon is set to play alongside Jarvis Landry to provide the Browns with a lethal one-two combo in the wide receiving end of the floor.
Browns' general manager John Dorsey said that the team will look after Gordon while he gets back on track. Coach Hue Jackson, who gave up on Gordon two years ago, added that he likes the potential of the wide receiver.
Gordon has been a proven threat on the wide receiving end for opponents as the Browns star posted 179 catches on top of 3,089 yards and 15 touchdowns in 40 career appearances. He appeared in five games for the Browns last season.
The former second-round pick rose to the occasion in the 2013 season when he led the NFL with 1,646 yards. Since being drafted in 2012, Gordon has been suspended for 56 of a potential 96 games, including 43 of his last 48 matches.
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