Josh Gordon has been reinstated to the NFL and can join the Seattle Seahawks in Week 16 provided he tests negative for COVID-19. His return could not have come at a better time since that is when they take on the Los Angeles Rams, a team they have suffered several losses against in recent years, for the second time this season.
Former Seahawks quarterback Jake Heaps stated on 710 ESPN Seattle’s Jake and Stacy that he expects Gordon to excel as soon as he hits the field despite not playing in 14 games in 2020 and missing the last two games of 2019 due to his suspension.
“Josh to me is one of those players that when you look at how he has handled this particular suspension, the one thing that you have to commend Josh Gordon for is he has continued to work out through all of it,” Heaps said.
Heaps pointed out that Gordon has relentlessly prepared himself for the time he sees the field despite his personal issues and not knowing the length of his suspension, which showcases his dedication to both the team and the game itself.
“I’m very impressed by him being able to go through the situation that he has had, the battles he has had, and try to be as ready as possible for this team because as we have wondered as Seahawks fans (when he would return), so has Josh Gordon,” Heaps said. “He has had no idea how long the NFL was going to suspend him, when they were going to take him off the suspension list, so he has been getting himself ready to play each and every single week.”
However, Gordon is returning from his fifth NFL suspension, so the calls to keep himself in line have never been louder, despite him being restricted to two regular-season games and the postseason if the Seahawks make it there.
Gordon may be present at meetings and can work out on his own as early as December 9, but he cannot play or be in close proximity to his teammates until December 21.
“I believe that the way they allowed him to come back – he starts the (COVID) testing protocol, next week he gets around the facility and he’s allowed to work out – it gives him enough time to really ensure that he is mentally and physically ready to go once he is allowed to play in Week 16,” Heaps said. “So I have zero hesitation saying you should see Josh Gordon play without any lingering physical issues. I think he’ll be able to contribute.”
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