BEREA, Ohio _ It should come as no surprise that wide receiver Josh Gordon won't play when the Browns host the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night in the third preseason game.
Gordon, after all, hasn't even practiced since returning to the Browns on Saturday.
"Josh is not playing this Thursday night. No. That's for sure," coach Hue Jackson said Monday after the 17th practice of training camp.
Jackson said it's "possible" Gordon could receive clearance to participate by the time the Browns resume practice following their exhibition game against the Eagles. Gordon will need the NFL's blessing to practice as part of the conditions of his substance-abuse program. Jackson also wants to ensure Gordon is physically ready to practice before signing off on a return.
But if Gordon practices in time, he could play in the preseason finale Aug. 30 on the road against the Detroit Lions.
"I wouldn't be opposed to it," Jackson said.
Gordon returned Saturday from the leave of absence he announced he would take July 23, three days before camp opened. He wound up being away from the first 15 practices of camp while he received treatment in Florida related to his public struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. The NFL suspended Gordon for most of the past three years because of recurring violations of the NFL's substance-abuse policy, but the 2013 All-Pro selection played in the final five games last season and caught 18 passes for 335 yards and a touchdown.
"As I humbly return to being a member of this team with an opportunity to get back to playing this game I love, I realize in order for me to reach my full potential my primary focus must remain on my sobriety and mental well-being," Gordon said in the statement he released Saturday.
While the Browns practiced Sunday and Monday, Gordon worked out on the side of the field under the supervision of the team's medical staff.
