Josh Gordon’s return simply what depleted Patriots wanted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — One of many New England Patriots’ greatest query marks may now develop into a prime power.
That modified in a “Flash” with Josh Gordon’s conditional reinstatement.
In Thursday’s apply, the depleted state of the Patriots’ broad receiver corps was highlighted by one of many first passes quarterback Tom Brady threw in aggressive 11-on-11 drills. It was to undrafted free agent Gunner Olszewski of Division II Bemidji State.
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No knock on Olszewski, who has accounted properly for himself, but when the Patriots are counting on him to be a starter of their quest for a seventh Tremendous Bowl championship, it might be an apparent signal that their plans at receiver have not unfolded as they’d hoped.
The attrition was notable this week.
Julian Edelman hasn’t practiced in coaching camp resulting from a thumb damage. First-round draft decide N’Keal Harry got here up hobbling within the preseason opener and hasn’t practiced since. Veterans Phillip Dorsett (hand/thumb) and Maurice Harris (presumably his foot) have been knocked out of Wednesday’s apply and stay out. And Demaryius Thomas and Cameron Meredith are on the bodily unable to carry out record.
In order that left Brady to throw to largely undrafted free brokers and late-round picks. Remarkably, the offense did not appear to overlook a lot of a beat in practices with the Titans, however one may solely marvel if that will finally catch as much as them when video games begin to rely.
Enter Gordon.
He caught passes from Brady at one level within the offseason throughout his suspension.
Tom Brady and the Patriots will probably be completely happy to have broad receiver Josh Gordon again within the lineup. He averaged 18.zero yards per catch on his 40 receptions with New England final season. CJ Gunther/EPA-EFE/Rex/Shutterstock
“He was round and I wanted somebody to catch,” Brady mentioned in late July. “I’ve all the time loved enjoying with him and clearly hope every thing works out for him. I am hoping for the most effective, actually.”
If Gordon, 28, can keep heading in the right direction, he tasks as a top-of-the-depth-chart possibility, alongside Edelman, whose thumb damage is not anticipated to maintain him out for much longer. Gordon’s dimension (6-foot-Three, 225 kilos) and proficiency with vertical routes opened up a brand new dimension to the Patriots’ offense final season, which is also augmented by the 6-foot-Four, 225-pound Harry, the No. 32 total decide within the draft out of Arizona State.
Dorsett and undrafted free agent Jakobi Meyers (NC State) venture subsequent on the depth chart, based mostly on what has unfolded in apply.
Then 2018 sixth-round decide Braxton Berrios, veteran Dontrelle Inman, Olszewski, Damoun Patterson and undrafted Ryan Davis spherical out the group’s receiving corps.
In saying Gordon’s conditional reinstatement, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell mentioned everyone seems to be rooting for Gordon “personally and professionally.” That has been the theme all through the Patriots’ locker room since final yr, with a widespread acknowledgement that soccer is secondary.
When Gordon not too long ago utilized for reinstatement, Dorsett, one among his shut pals, mentioned, “It positively would imply loads to him, as a result of I do know it means loads to him to simply play soccer. I simply hope he will get himself proper. That is my foremost concern — simply him as a human being. I do not actually care concerning the soccer factor. I simply wish to see him be wholesome in his thoughts, physique and spirit.”
So Gordon can anticipate a heat welcome upon his return, which may come as early as Sunday.
Footballwise, the timing could not be higher for the Patriots.