Josh Gordon Injury: Updates on Browns WR's Quad and Return

Joseph ZuckerJul 26, 2016

The NFL announced on July 25 that it had reinstated Cleveland Browns wideout Josh Gordon. He had been recovering from a quad injury while working his way back to full fitness but appears ready to return to game action.

Continue for updates.

Latest on Gordon's Playing Status

Friday, Aug. 26

The Browns did not list Gordon among the players who were expected to be out against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday.

Latest on Gordon's Practice Status

Monday, Aug. 15

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Gordon "should" take part in Monday's session. On Sunday, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported that Gordon practiced for the first time during the preseason.

Browns Remove Gordon from NFI List

Monday, Aug. 15

Rapoport reported that Gordon has been removed from the non-football injury list and is now active. On July 26, the Browns placed the wide receiver on the NFI list after he injured his quad while he was training on his own this summer, per Andrew Gribble of the Browns' official website.

Injury Unlikely to Derail Gordon's Season

As part of his reinstatement, the NFL suspended him for the first four games of the year, meaning Gordon's recovery did not delay his availability for the regular season.

The injury recovery did, however, affect Gordon's preparation ahead of the new year. Rapoport noted the 25-year-old can still work out with the team during training camp and play in preseason games.

That time on the practice field and in the preseason will be invaluable for Gordon as he looks to shake off the rust from a lengthy layoff. He last appeared in game action on Dec. 21, 2014.

There's no question how good Gordon can be. He caught 87 passes for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns in 14 games in 2013 and was a first-team All-Pro.

If Gordon gets back to that level again, it would be a huge boost for a Browns team that announced Robert Griffin III will be under center. RGIII would have a much easier time with a Pro Bowl-caliber wide receiver at his disposal.