Cleveland Browns activate Josh Gordon from Exemption List
Josh Gordon hasn’t played a snap since 2014 after an All-Pro season
A three-year hiatus will end on Sunday for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon after serving a multi-season suspension for violating the league drug policy.
Cleveland activated Gordon from the Commissioner’s Exemption List to make him eligible to play against the Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Hue Jackson said Gordon will start the game, likely against Casey Heyward, in Los Angeles.
Gordon was a rising star after the Browns selected him with the first pick in the second round of the 2012 Supplemental Draft out of Baylor. Off the field, concerns led to Gordon not originally being drafted, but on the field, the Browns found a diamond in the rough.
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In his rookie season with Cleveland, Gordon snagged a team-high five touchdowns with Brandon Weeden at quarterback. His sophomore season blew the league away with eight touchdowns and a league-high 1,648 receiving yards. Gordon’s 2013 campaign earned him a Pro Bowl selection and multiple First-Team All-Pro honors.
Cleveland has failed to replicate Gordon’s production since his suspension beginning in the 2015 season. Corey Coleman was drafted in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Baylor but has been hindered by injuries and inconsistent quarterback play. He’s managed just one touchdown this year and started just five games.
Tight end David Njoku has led the Browns in receiving touchdowns this season with three, but running back Duke Johnson leads the club in receptions with 50.
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Cleveland will play Los Angeles at 4:25 p.m. EST this Sunday before returning home to face the Packers.