The New England Patriots are releasing receiver Josh Gordon off injured reserve on Thursday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
He will enter waivers, where teams can claim him. If no one does, he’ll enter free agency, and can sign with any NFL team.
Gordon went on IR after suffering a knee injury in Week 6 against the New York Giants — the issue came in addition to bone bruises in his knee, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Because Gordon seemed to be growing less dependable, the Patriots placed him on injured reserve with the intention of parting ways with him.
The move comes after Bill Belichick traded for receiver Mohamed Sanu, who joined receivers Julian Edelman, Phillip Dorsett, Jakobi Meyers and Gunner Olszewski. Rookie receiver N’Keal Harry, a first-round draft pick, is also eligible to return from IR this week — he could play in Week 9 against the Baltimore Ravens. Belichick was asked last week whether Harry’s development played a part in Gordon’s move to IR.
“We’re not going to carry 10 receivers on the team,” Belichick said at a press conference last Wednesday. “So, something’s going to have to happen. I don’t know what. I can’t imagine we’d carry that many players in one position. So, I don’t know. At some point, numbers have to become a factor when they get high. This is the National Football League, this isn’t a college.”
Gordon joined the Patriots in a trade during the 2018 season after the Browns had grown frustrated with his unreliable behavior. While dealing with mental health and addiction issues, he missed games in five consecutive seasons due to suspension. During his tenure with New England — which was truncated by that indefinite suspension for violating the league’s drug policy — Gordon played 17 games with 60 receptions, 1,007 yards, and four touchdowns.
Gordon seemed to have turned a corner in New England, particularly in 2019, in proving he could handle the rigors of the NFL.
