Latest On Josh Gordon, Browns

Believed to finally be navigating a quiet offseason, Josh Gordon re-entered the headline circuit Monday and is away from the Browns for the time being. He resides on the non-football illness list.

While it’s another setback for the talented receiver, the Browns are sticking by Gordon as he deals with this latest obstacle. The reasoning for Gordon’s delay in being deemed ready for Cleveland’s training camp is not known, but NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said (via Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com) the former All-Pro wideout has no return timetable.

The understanding at this point is that the 27-year-old wide receiver is in some type of rehab facility, Cabot said during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show (Twitter link), adding that it would then be up to medical personnel and counselors to determine when Gordon can return. She confirms a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicating Gordon is not believed to have failed a drug test.

The consequences of a failed test would dire for Gordon, who would likely face an indefinite suspension and possibly see his NFL career end given what’s happened over the past four years. Gordon can be tested up to 10 times per month. He admitted hard drug use occurred during his first NFL stint as well as during his time at Baylor. Cabot wonders if Gordon found himself on somewhat shaky ground regarding a relapse. He had stayed near the Browns facility in Berea, Ohio, until last month, Cabot reports.

Gordon’s last known stint in rehab came in September 2017. The NFL reinstated him in November of last year, and he returned for the Browns’ final five games. He averaged 18.6 yards per catch despite operating in a passing attack that struggled throughout last season.

Gordon is expected to be a starter for the Browns in 2018.

We will continue to support Josh as he receives the care needed to maintain his progress,” John Dorsey said. “We’re going to respect his privacy while he’s away from the team.”

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