Browns WR Josh Gordon finally back to regular-season practice
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon participated in his first regular-season, full-squad practice since Dec. 26, 2014, on Wednesday.
Gordon, who was reinstated by the NFL earlier this month, has been suspended 53 of the Browns' last 58 games due to several violations of the league's substance abuse policy.
Browns coach Hue Jackson said Gordon's presence stirred up a "different spirit at practice" for the team. It's a sign of optimism for the woeful 0-10 club trying to avoid a winless 2017 campaign.
"It's like Christmas,'' Jackson said, via The Cleveland Plain Dealer. "I get to open a new toy. I know what's in that box, but I just want to see how good it is. It's exciting that he'll be back out there."
Gordon, a Pro-Bowler in 2013, had previously practiced in preseason on Aug. 31, 2016 with the Browns, but Wednesday marked his first regular-season outing in nearly three years — 448 days.
"The guy is ultimate talent. We all know it. It is time for him to step in and play his role on this team," quarterback DeShone Kizer told reporters Wednesday. "He is a heckuva player, and I'm looking forward to when he is back out there for us."
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