Hard Knocks season 13, episode 1 recap: Cleveland Browns

CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 10: Josh Gordon #12 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates a touchdown in the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

The Josh Gordon problem

The next topic on the Hard Knocks season premiere is the Josh Gordon story.

Josh Gordon was one of the best wide receivers in the NFL when he started with the Cleveland Browns. In his second season in 2013, Gordon caught 87 passes for an NFL-leading 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns. He played five games in 2014 and was suspended for failing the NFL substance abuse policy. He failed it again and ended up suspended indefinitely. He missed 43 total games over his career.

Gordon finally returned in 2017, played in five games, and caught 18 passes for 335 yards and a touchdown.

However, Gordon won’t be at the start of training camp with the Cleveland Browns. As part of his substance abuse treatment plan, Gordon is staying home at the start of camp. The Browns are supporting him and will place him on a reserve list, so he can work on his health and well-being.

This is shown on Hard Knocks in a meeting between offensive coordinator Todd Haley, wide receivers coach Adam Henry, quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese and Hue Jackson – the man who informs the other coaches of the news. Jackson said that he will be back, and they will work on getting him in the best position he can be in when he returns.

Senior VP, Communications Peter John-Baptiste said that they will not talk much about Gordon and let him work on his healing. He then said they need to decide what to say about how his absence affects the team. GM John Dorsey said that they will concentrate on just talking about who is there – which is what they have always done. Jackson said they love Josh but will focus on the players at camp.