Pro Bowl receiver Gordon back in lineup for Browns
BEREA, Ohio — Josh Gordon can’t do anything to change his past. He knows there are doubters who believe it’s just a matter of time before he slips up again.
Gordon is looking forward. Straight ahead.
“The only thing I can control is what I do on the field,” the Pro Bowler said. “So that’s what I’m doing. I can’t control the masses. That’s not my job.”
The Browns’ supremely talented wide receiver who easily outruns defensive backs but can’t seem to steer clear of trouble returned to his job Wednesday, practicing for the first time since his 10-game suspension for repeated drug violations ended.
The league’s leader in yards receiving last season — despite missing two games — Gordon has returned just in time to give Cleveland a much needed offensive jolt.
Browns coach Mike Pettine plans to bring Gordon back slowly this week, but No. 12 expects to be on the field Sunday when they visit the Atlanta Falcons.
“It’s great to be back,” he said. “I’m very ready. I’ve had a long time to get ready for it.”
Surrounded by cameras and reporters, Gordon was a bit nervous as he described the challenges of his long layoff. He was repentant, saying he knows his actions hurt the Browns but also his family.
“There’s a lot of people I feel I owe,” he said. “My family members, friends, people that felt more embarrassed about it. The people closest to me feel it harder than anybody and I feel as though I owe them as well as the Browns, but I’d like to do that by performing well.”
In his first game back after serving a two-game suspension last season, Gordon caught 10 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown in a win over Minnesota.
Gordon feels he can come in from the cold and deliver a similar performance this week.
