Seahawks WR Josh Gordon reinstated by NFL, can play in final 2 games
Dec 3, 2020, 1:09 PM | Updated: 2:09 pm
Seahawks WR Josh Gordon has been reinstated by the NFL and can play in Week 16. (Getty)
(Getty)
The Seahawks’ patience appears to have paid off as receiver Josh Gordon, who re-signed with the team just ahead of the 2020 season despite being indefinitely suspended by the NFL, has been reinstated and will be able to play in Seattle’s final two games.
Seahawks Takeaways: A good sign on defense, a bad sign on offense
The news was first reported by FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer, and the NFL released a statement announcing the news, which was shared by the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Official: #Seahawks WR Josh Gordon is back from suspension and can start practicing the week of Dec. 21. pic.twitter.com/y2zAP1KFDs
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 3, 2020
Gordon will be allowed to attend team meetings, workouts and engage in individual workouts as well as strength and conditioning starting next week if he passes all COVID-related protocols, but he won’t be able to practice, travel with the team or attend any games for the time being. He will be allowed to practice after the Seahawks’ Week 15 game against the Washington Football Team, and Gordon can return to in-game action when Seattle plays the Los Angeles Rams in a Week 16 game that likely will determine the winner of the NFC West.
Gordon, 29, is a one-time All-Pro, having earned the honors with the Cleveland Browns in 2013 when he led the NFL in receiving yards with 1,646 in 14 games. He joined the New England Patriots in 2018 and was with the team for six games in 2019 before he was waived. Seattle claimed him and he appeared in five games for the Seahawks last season, recording seven catches for 139 yards including this incredible 59-yard snag against the Carolina Panthers in Week 15.
JOSH GORDON.
A fingertip catch for 59 yards! @Josh_GordonXII @DangeRussWilson
📺: FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app
Watch free on mobile: https://t.co/ALWDCpltog pic.twitter.com/XSBjE7WGBP— NFL (@NFL) December 15, 2019
That catch was the last that Gordon had in 2019, however, as he was suspended after that game for failing a drug test and hasn’t played since. It marked Gordon’s fifth suspension since he entered the NFL in 2011. He was suspended for all of 2015 and 2016, and Gordon has played in only 30 games since then due to suspensions and injuries.
The NFL had been quiet about Gordon being reinstated, with no word or reports coming out since he re-signed with the Seahawks in early September. Additionally, because he was suspended, head coach Pete Carroll and others in the organization were not openly allowed to discuss what the process looked like as far as Gordon returning to action.
But now, Gordon will be able to get back to football and try to regain a role in the Seahawks’ offense like in his five games with Seattle in 2019.
🙏🏾 Thankful ☝🏾
— Flash (@JOSH_GORDONXII) December 3, 2020
Gordon quickly became a rotational piece for the Seahawks last season and he was a major factor despite only catching seven passes, as six of those receptions resulted in Seattle first downs, including two late ones against the San Francisco 49ers in an overtime win.
Josh Gordon's first catch as a Seahawk: CLUTCH
(via @thecheckdown) pic.twitter.com/tEhNHLFxdx
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 12, 2019
The Seahawks are already in good shape at the wide receiver position with DK Metcalf leading the NFL in receiving yards, Tyler Lockett on pace for his second 1,000-yard season in a row and David Moore showing he can be a playmaking No. 3 receiver. Additionally, rookie Freddie Swain has done more than most expected of him in his first season. Now, Gordon adds more depth and playmaking to that room and gives quarterback Russell Wilson one more weapon in the Seahawks’ potent passing attack.
Gordon’s first game in 2019 for the Seahawks was a big one when Seattle knocked off the then-unbeaten 49ers in overtime and this year, he may play a role in the Seahawks upending the Rams in Week 16 and giving the team its first NFC West title since 2016.
Follow Brandon Gustafson on Twitter.
O’Neil: Remember the Decembers? Why Hawks’ closing kick could be back
