Consider Cleveland Browns coach Hue Jackson to be someone who doesn’t wait for Thanksgiving to pass before celebrating Christmas.
Any shred of potential good news is enough to stir up some excitement surrounding the Browns, considering they sit in the NFL’s basement at 0-10. And today was an exciting day in Cleveland, as beleaguered Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon practiced for the first time Monday since being reinstated into the NFL.
After a pair of productive seasons to start his career after being selected by the Browns in the 2012 NFL Draft, Gordon has been a train wreck off the field. When the dust settled, he missed the past two seasons and a total of 53 games thanks to repeat violations of the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
But he since has been eligible for reinstatement and now can practice. For Jackson, being able to have Gordon workout with the team is something to be encouraged about.
“It’s like Christmas. I get to open a new toy,” Jackson said. “I know what is in that box, but I just want to see how good it is. It is exciting that he will be back out there.”
Time will tell if the 26-year-old can regain the stride that ultimately helped him garner Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 2013. But if he can return to that level, it’s assuredly something to be excited about.
Either way, at this juncture for the Browns, any chance is one worth taking.
