Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon is back. Gordon is eligible to participate in practices and play in games effective immediately.
The announcement was made by the Browns on their Twitter account Saturday August 25th. Although the Browns did not mention that Gordon can participate in practices and games, it is been reported that he can.
WR Josh Gordon has been officially moved to the active list and will be involved in walk throughs pic.twitter.com/iHx7DLAO7M
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 25, 2018
With Gordon back in the mix it makes the Cleveland offense formidable for any opponent. There were times this preseason that the offense looked effective moving the ball. Most of these moments came with Tyrod Taylor in at quarterback. Although Baker Mayfield did have some moments of his own, Taylor appears to be the starter moving into the regular season.
The Cleveland Browns have some serious weapons on offense
The previous sentence did not appear possible as recently as one year ago. With Gordon back in the mix Cleveland has the chance to be an explosive offense. In addition to Gordon Cleveland has Jarvis Landry, Antonio Callaway and David Njoku. This does not even include the running backs on the roster. A group that includes Carlos Hyde, Duke Johnson Jr. and Nick Chubb. Even Rashard Higgins appears to be working his way into a role in the Browns offense. There are weapons aplenty and whoever plays quarterback will have a plethora of options to throw to.
The offense has a chance to be special rather than the pathetic units that have taken the field in recent years. With the talent Cleveland has on offense opposing defenses will be unable to double team any one player. If a team does in fact double team someone there will be a mismatch somewhere on the field that the Browns can exploit time and time again. If a defense wants to double team Gordon that leaves Landry, Callaway and Njoku in a favorable matchup. On the other hand if a different player receives extra attention from the defense that will allow Gordon to take advantage.
Josh Gordon’s return does not mean Dez Bryant is out of the picture
For some Gordon’s return ends the Dez Bryant speculation, but the reality of the situation is that the Browns still have interest in signing the former Cowboys star. Bryant did reject Cleveland’s offer for a one-year deal and remains unsigned. In addition to Gordon the Browns would have to large bodied receivers in their offense if Bryant does indeed sign. Bryant’s potential impact has been discussed in a previous article.
If Bryant does eventually sign in Cleveland that will only make the offense that more dominant. Of course all of this depends on quarterback play. If Taylor or Mayfield can be at least adequate the Browns offense should be able to lead the way to some wins this season.
