Not only will recently reinstated Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon need to knock off the inevitable rust created by sitting out a full season, but he also must overcome a leg injury to ensure a successful comeback.
The Browns placed Gordon on the active/nonfootball injury list Tuesday after he reported to training camp and took a physical. The 2013 All-Pro selection suffered a quadriceps injury while he was banished from the NFL and working out on his own this summer, a Browns spokesman said. The team expects it to be at least a couple of weeks before Gordon would be cleared to begin practicing, the spokesman said.
Gordon won’t be the only Browns player watching from the sidelines when camp opens Friday.
The team put two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden (ankle surgery March 16) and rookie tight end Seth DeValve (hamstring) on the active/physically unable to perform list.
Haden’s status is part of the team’s plan to allow him to rehabilitate toward a return. He has vowed not to miss any regular-season games. DeValve, a fourth-round draft pick, was hurt in the spring.
Players on the active NFI or PUP lists can’t participate in on-field activities until they pass a physical. They’re limited to strength and conditioning, rehab and meetings.
On a positive note, Pro Bowl tight end Gary Barnidge (hernia surgery June 2), rookie offensive tackle Shon Coleman (knee) and rookie defensive end Carl Nassib (calf) passed physicals.
Gordon reported to camp two days before veterans are scheduled to show up Thursday. The team made room for him on its 90-man roster by waiving undrafted rookie defensive back A.J. Stamps.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell granted Gordon re-entry into the league on a conditional basis Monday and suspended him for the first four regular-season games of 2016.
On Tuesday, Gordon met with Browns brass, including executive Sashi Brown and coach Hue Jackson.
Gordon had been banished since Feb. 3, 2015. He’s missed 27 of the past 32 games because of violations of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy and hasn’t played since Dec. 21, 2014.
His leg injury aside, he’ll be permitted to practice during camp and play in preseason games, provided arrangements have been confirmed regarding his clinical resources in Cleveland, according to the league. He’ll be allowed to attend team meetings and participate in other activities but not practice during the suspension.
Brown said Monday in a prepared statement the team would discuss with Gordon its “plan to support him on and off the field.” Agent Drew Rosenhaus reiterated he thinks the Browns want his client.
“I do believe that the Browns are a big part of Josh getting reinstated,” Rosenhaus said Tuesday on Pro Football Talk Live. “I do believe that Sashi Brown who’s the chief executive of the Browns had a lot to do with this. I believe that Hue Jackson is very committed to working with Josh Gordon.
‘‘I believe that [special adviser] Jim Brown, who’s an integral part of this process who got to know Josh and has served as a mentor in some respects, had a lot to do with this. I really do think that the Browns are committed to Josh and want to see him succeed.”
The Browns also placed first-year offensive lineman Conor Boffeli (knee/ankle) on active/NFI.
Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/abj.sports.