NFL: Titans activate Josh Gordon for MNF vs. Buffalo, because the WR readies to debut for fifth franchise

NFL veteran wideout Josh Gordon debuted for Tennessee as 31-year-old begins on-field life with a fifth NFL franchise.

Gordon was activated hours earlier than the Monday evening sport at Buffalo following virtually three weeks on the group’s apply squad. 

Gordon was signed by the AFC South group after his launch from Kansas Metropolis on August 30.

He signed with the Chiefs final season following a decade-long NFL odyssey that noticed the troubled receiver suspended no fewer than 5 occasions for points associated to substance abuse. 

Following Monday’s activation, Gordon’s agent, Zac Hiller, instructed NFL Community’s Tom Pelissero that his consumer merely wants an opportunity.

‘Josh simply wants alternatives to show that he is nonetheless the unbelievable participant and expertise he is all the time been,’ he stated.

The Titans signed Gordon in an effort so as to add depth on the place following the offseason commerce of star pass-catcher A.J. Brown. 

‘I feel I am selecting it up at a fairly good tempo proper now,’ Gordon stated of his adaptation in Tennessee, Friday, by way of John Glennon. 

‘From alternatives I have been given at apply and what they have been asking me to do, I have been simply attempting to key in and know my place, know my place after I’m known as and after I’m prepared. Up to now so good on that word.’

Of their opening sport of the NFL season, Tennessee misplaced at dwelling to the rejuvenated New York Soccer Giants 21-20. 

The Titans didn’t get monumental manufacturing out of their receiving corps with Kyle Phillips the group’s main yard-getting wideout, amassing 6 receptions for 66 yards. 

Gordon was used sparingly by the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs final season, amassing simply 5 catches

Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel praised Gordon for his software since getting into the constructing earlier this month. 

‘Josh is constant to enhance and perceive how we do issues in our offense, the terminology and the place he desires to play,’ Vrabel stated Saturday. 

‘It has been good. That’s what we ask all of these guys on the apply squad, is to organize as starters each week. All of these guys are attempting to try this.’

Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (R) can be hoping Gordon can present a spark for his offense

Monday evening marked one more chapter in what has been a topsy-turvy profession for Gordon, who led the league in receiving in 2013 with 1,646 yards.

Many might have thought his NFL goals have been over following his launch from Kansas Metropolis, however there may be hope he can return and make an influence within the AFC South. 

Regardless of his frequent suspensions, Gordon nonetheless drew vital curiosity final season as he was being reinstated by the NFL. He in the end caught 5 passes in 12 video games for the Chiefs.

Gordon was an outstanding wideout throughout the 2013 NFL season whereas enjoying with the Browns

Gordon signed with the Chiefs in September of 2021, shortly after the NFL reinstated him from an indefinite suspension he acquired in December 2019. 

Gordon was suspended for substance abuse and performance-enhancing substance violations.

A subsequent reinstatement in December 2020 lasted solely a month — with no on-field appearances — and was rescinded in January 2021.

The precise substances Gordon used weren’t revealed, however he instructed GQ in 2017 that he used marijuana and drank alcohol earlier than each school and NFL video games, and has additionally admitted to abusing pharmaceuticals and cocaine.

Gordon does have a Tremendous Bowl ring for his efforts with New England throughout the 2018 season

Gordon entered the league within the 2012 supplemental draft, chosen within the second spherical — No. 1 total — by the Browns. 

He performed in Cleveland till 2018 — he missed 2015-16 on account of suspension — then performed components of 2018-19 with the New England Patriots earlier than shifting on to Seattle.

In whole, the NFL has banned him six occasions.

Tennessee can be Gordon’s fifth NFL group after beforehand enjoying for the Browns, Patriots, Seattle Seahawks and the Chiefs.