Josh Gordon: New England Patriots receiver placed on IR but could join another team
Thursday 24 October 2019 10:05, UK
New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon was placed on injured reserve, ending his 2019 season with the team, but it appears possible he could play elsewhere.
According to multiple reports from NFL Network, Gordon has been battling two bone bruises in his knee but believes he is close to returning to play. The Patriots, however, are moving on and will waive him from injured reserve once he is healthy, per multiple reports.
Gordon himself appeared surprised by the news, commenting on social media, "interesting."
The wideout did not play Monday night against the New York Jets, and the Patriots acquired Mohamed Sanu from the Atlanta Falcons for a second-round draft pick on Tuesday.
Gordon had 20 receptions for 287 yards and one touchdown in 2019, but he hurt his knee on October 10 against the Giants. According to NFL Network, Gordon was dealing with the bone bruises before that game.
After a one-game absence, he was able to return to practice Wednesday, but the team placed him on IR, according to the NFL's official transaction log released at 4 p.m. ET daily.
Rookie wide receiver K'Neal Harry, the Patriots' first-round pick, practised with the team for the first time this season last week after starting the year on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. Harry is first eligible to play Week Nine at Baltimore as he was designated for IR-eligible to return, which requires he miss at least eight games.
Activating Harry would mean either offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn or fullback James Develin will be out for the remainder of the season. Only two players can return after being placed on IR.
Beyond Gordon, the Patriots are banged up at wide receiver. Julian Edelman (chest) and Phillip Dorsett II (hamstring) have appeared on the injury report in recent weeks.
