{"id":3081,"date":"2016-09-29T19:58:58","date_gmt":"2016-09-29T23:58:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/?p=3081"},"modified":"2016-09-29T19:58:58","modified_gmt":"2016-09-29T23:58:58","slug":"josh-gordon-return-question-rehab","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2016\/09\/29\/josh-gordon-return-question-rehab\/","title":{"rendered":"Josh Gordon\u2019s Return in Question After Entering Rehab"},"content":{"rendered":"

Josh Gordon<\/strong>\u2019s return to the NFL<\/strong> is in question after entering into an in-patient rehab center on Thursday.<\/p>\n

In a statement addressing his choice, Gordon said, \u201cThis is the right decision for me and one that I hope will enable me to gain full control of my life and continue on a path to reach my full potential as a person.”<\/p>\n

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Under some pressure & stress recently, had to take a time out for myself.Sometimes you have to do what’s best for you. Thank u @nfl<\/a> @Browns<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Flash Gordon (@JOSH_GORDONXII) September 29, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Cleveland Browns<\/strong> organization offered support for Gordon after releasing a statement <\/a>of their own applauding his decision.\u00a0However, they\u00a0refused to comment on his future status with the team.<\/p>\n

The former All-Pro wide receiver has been battling substance abuse his entire career. He failed drug tests four different times in his career. The NFL\u00a0suspended him for all\u00a0four incidents.<\/p>\n

In 2013 he was banned for two games, in 2014 missed 10 games, was suspended for all of 2015, and he was out the first four games of this season.<\/p>\n

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell<\/strong> reinstated Gordon on July 25.<\/p>\n

The 25-year-old was slated to rejoin the Browns in Week Five. After starting the season 0-3, the Browns depended on the return of their former playmaker.<\/p>\n

Gordon showed he was still able to produce when he saw action in his first preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/strong>. He hauled in a 44-yard grab and added a 43-yard touchdown<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Browns Are Decimated By Injuries<\/h3>\n

The return of Gordon was necessary because the Browns\u00a0endured\u00a0many blows to their starting lineup.<\/p>\n

They\u00a0lost\u00a0their starting quarterback Robert Griffin<\/a><\/strong> III and back up Josh McCown<\/a><\/strong> to lengthy ailments. Also, they are without first-round wide receiver Corey Coleman<\/a><\/strong> who suffered a broken hand.<\/p>\n

The lone shining lights for the Browns offense has been the success of their running game behind Isaiah\u00a0Crowell<\/a><\/strong> and Duke Johnson<\/a><\/strong>. They’ve combined for 377 yards with two scores through the first three weeks.<\/p>\n

Terrelle Pryor<\/a><\/strong>, their quarterback-turned-wideout has been a nice surprise for the team. Pryor had a historic performance against the Miami Dolphins<\/strong>. He is the first player to have 120 receiving yards, 30 passing yards, and 20 rushing yards since former-great Frank Gifford<\/a><\/strong> in 1959.<\/p>\n

Not only could Gordon have helped his team this year, but his off-the-field issues have derailed what could’ve been a decorated career. In 35 career games he tallied 161 receptions for 2,754 yards and 15 touchdowns.<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n