To start training camp, Phillip Dorsett was the only returning wide receiver for the New England Patriots. Chris Hogan left in free agency, Cordarrelle Patterson opted to follow suit. Julian Edelman was being held out with a thumb injury and Josh Gordon was still on an indefinite suspension.
Fast forward to today and Josh Gordon is officially a member of the Patriots once more. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the suspension was lifted and Gordon would be able to rejoin the team on Sunday.
Gordon won’t be allowed to play in any preseason games but is cleared to retake the field when the Super Bowl champions start their quest to defend their title on September 8th against the Pittsburgh Steeler.s
Last season, Gordon played in 11 games with New England, He totaled 40 receptions for 720 yards and three touchdowns before he was once again forced to watch from the sidelines after violating his previous reinstatement protocols.
Towards the end of those 11 games, Gordon and Brady started to develop a clear connection with each other but the receiver would miss the entirety of New England’s postseason run.
With him back, the Patriots suddenly go from inexperienced to deep at wideout. Gordon and Edelman will be back once the games count and their absence has allowed for rookies N’Keal Harry and Jakobi Meyers get valuable practice reps during training camp.
Before tonight, Dorsett was in line to be atop the team’s depth chart. Now he’s more likely to be fourth in the pecking order when Week 1 kicks off.
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