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After six on-and-off years in Cleveland, the Browns are officially done with Josh Gordon. And, in true Patriot fashion, they scooped him up faster than you can say ‘Albert Haynesworth.’
The Browns have been somewhat tight-lipped about Gordon’s departure, but it allegedly had nothing to do with a substance abuse violation or failed drug test. The straw that broke Hue Jackson’s back was a promotional video shoot Gordon misled the team about, highlighting a theme of distrust that has followed the 27-year-old around for years. The Athletic’s Zac Jackson reported about the promotional shoot that led to a hamstring injury.
Gordon was granted permission by the Browns to conduct a photo shoot for his “Flash” clothing line Friday evening, but instead, he was participating in the filming of what one source called a “hype video” intended to be released as a social-media commercial. At least five other people were present as Gordon went through football-related drills, and after about 90 minutes of shooting Friday, the source said Gordon pulled up limping while running a 40-yard dash and grabbed at his hamstring.
Gordon was reportedly 10 minutes late for a team meeting on Saturday and went straight to the trainer’s room, where they deemed him out for Sunday’s game due to the hamstring injury.
The Patriots traded for Gordon and he may be ready to play in Week 3 against the Lions. Tom Brady had this to say about the controversial signing:
“I hate to make projections and expectations,” Brady told Westwood’s One Jim Gray Monday night. “That’s not fair. I’ve never met Josh, personally — just like I hadn’t met some of the guys who have come in the last couple of weeks. We’ll see how it goes this week. Hopefully, he can work hard, put the team first, and end up helping us in any role that he can find for himself on the team.”
After watching the Patriots loss to the Jags Sunday, it was wholly evident that the Patriots desperately need another receiving threat, even with Julian Edelman returning in a couple weeks. If Bill Belichick can work his voodoo magic with Gordon, the Patriots will get a former league leader in receiving yards (2013) and a dangerous downfield threat. That’s a big ‘if’ though.
[h/t Larry Brown Sports]