FOXBOROUGH -- Josh Gordon has been back with the Patriots for over a week now after being reinstated by the NFL on a conditional basis.
The wide receiver came off NFI earlier this week, meaning he can now play in the final preseason game and is eligible to play Week 1 provided he's on the active roster.
Gordon hasn't spoke with the media yet, but offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was asked about him when he met with reporters Monday.
McDaniels said he has a great attitude and approach like he did when he was with the team last season and gave the offense a huge boost.
“With Josh, there’s some recall and at the same time I think you have to understand playing football, it’s not an easy thing to just say, ‘OK, here, pick up and go, you know?,'" McDaniels said. "He’s a good learner. He has some recall from last year, and at the same time I think you owe every player on your team the opportunity to go out there and work and get coached and make some mistakes and get better, go through the walkthroughs and the meetings. We try not to assume too much. He’s got a great approach, great attitude just like he did last year. Excited that he’s here. Excited to be back out on the field and looking forward to continue working with him.”
Gordon figures to be the No. 2 receiver again behind Julian Edelman. In 11 games last year with the Patriots, Gordon caught 40 passes for 720 yards and three touchdowns.
He isn't the only receiver the Patriots have got back on the field in the last week or so. Julian Edelman also came off NFI and Demaryius Thomas came off PUP, which drastically changes the Patriots offense.
“Was I excited that those guys are back? Yeah, for them and for us,” McDaniels said. “They’re excited to be back on the field and not in a rehab situation. Certainly, we’re excited to have them on the field, doing the things that they can do and trying to work back in and gain consistency as an offense.”
It remains unclear if Tom Brady and these receiver will play Thursday against the Giants, but history suggests it is unlikely and the next time they will see the field will be Week 1 against the Steelers.
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