With the start of training camp just three days away, the Cleveland Browns are already down one of their key players. Wide receiver Josh Gordon announced on twitter that he will miss the start of camp citing health reasons.
https://twitter.com/JOSH_GORDONXII/status/1021398682619572225
“I am reaching out to you all personally and letting you know that I am not only doing great physically but mentally as well,” Gordon said. “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. I appreciate the awesome support I have received from teammates, friends, fans, and the Browns organization. Just like you, I am excited to start the season and I have every intention of being ready and available to join my teammates soon to help bring winning football to our fans.”
“With the help of the NFL, NFLPA, and the Browns’ organization, I have been able to utilize the resources available to me that will ensure my well-being on and off the field. By continuing to follow the plan set up by our medical director and his team and taking this time before this season starts, we believe it will help me maintain the progress I’ve made for not only today but for many years to come.”
“Thank you all for your patience, love, and support! Go Browns!”
The talented wide receiver is expected to return at some point, but only time will tell as to when that will happen.
The Browns organization is supporting Gordon as he deals with his health issues.
“We will continue to support Josh as he receives the care needed to maintain his progress,” general manager John Dorsey said in a release from the team. “We are going to respect his privacy while he is away from the team. Josh will be placed on the non-football illness reserve list until he is ready to return.”
There is speculation that this decision was made because of the Browns being featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks. What about another suspension? The NFL responded by denying those rumors.
Just in from From NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy to @923TheFan
"There’s no suspension. We will address the matter at the appropriate time. There’s no timetable."— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) July 23, 2018
2018 could be the first full season of NFL action for Gordon since his rookie season of 2012. This news puts that possibility in doubt for now.
Gordon missed two full seasons because of suspensions for violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Gordon has also missed games between 2013 and 2017 due to violations of league policies.
The Browns hoped that Gordon would lead an upgraded wide receiving core. He and Jarvis Landry could become one of the best catching duos in the NFL.
Scott Piker is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Browns.
