Josh Gordon’s stint with the New England Patriots appears to be over. Gordon went on injured reserve on Wednesday, and though he is eligible to return as soon as Week 16, the Patriots intend to waive him when he’s fully healthy, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Gordon joined the Patriots in a trade with the Cleveland Browns in 2018. He has battled through mental health and addiction issues, which have led to repeated offenses of the NFL’s drug policy and, in turn, an indefinite suspension. Because of that suspension, he did not finish the 2018 season with the Patriots. Gordon signed with the Patriots on a one-year deal during the 2019 offseason, but will end his stint in New England playing 17 games, with 60 receptions for 1,007 yards and four touchdowns.
It seemed Gordon and the Patriots were only scratching the surface of the wide receiver’s potential.
If New England releases Gordon — and he hopes that release will come soon because his knee injury is reportedly minor — Gordon hopes to find a new team in the NFL, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
The Patriots traded for WR Mohamed Sanu on Wednesday. He may help compensate for the loss of Gordon in the offense. The Sanu trade was the latest of a series of aggressive transactions at receiver for New England. They drafted N’Keal Harry at No. 32 overall, the highest Bill Belichick has ever taken a wide receiver. New England also signed WR Antonio Brown, but a few days after his arrival, he was accused of sexual assault, and the Patriots cut him. They seemed dissatisfied with their group, even when Gordon was healthy.
