FOXBOROUGH, Mass. _ It looks like Josh Gordon's time with the Patriots has come to an end.
According to multiple reports, the Patriots released Gordon from the injured reserve. The wide receiver lasted just eight days on the IR. Now, he'll go through the waiver-wire process where each team has a chance to claim the 28-year-old.
The fact the Patriots released Gordon so quickly shows the team wanted to part ways with the troubled receiver. There's also some strategy involved. Although Gordon did have a knee injury, it wasn't enough to end his season. Had the Pats released the receiver last week, he would've been open to sign with any team _ including a number of top contenders in the AFC.
Since the Patriots released Gordon after the trade deadline, Gordon is now subjected to waivers. That means teams with the worse records have a better chance of landing the former Pro Bowl receiver.
The Patriots acquired Gordon last year in a deal with Cleveland. He was productive, catching 40 passes for 720 yards and three touchdowns. However, Gordon's off-field issues came to light in December when he left the team and was suspended by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
This year, Gordon was reinstated in August. He wasn't as efficient on the field, but was second on the Pats in receiving yards (287) through six games.
In order to replace Gordon, the Patriots traded for Mohamed Sanu last week _ days before placing Gordon on the IR. The team could also get rookie N'Keal Harry back this weekend.
