A look at Josh Gordon’s first day as a Patriot
His locker is next to Tom Brady's.
Wide receiver Josh Gordon was in Foxborough to participate in his first Patriots practice Wednesday afternoon.
Here’s what you missed:
Bill Belichick said the trade wasn’t finalized: Prior to the start of practice, Belichick insisted the trade for Gordon had not yet been completed — even though the deal had already been announced by both teams and was on the NFL’s transaction wire. Belichick did not offer additional details on why the trade was still pending, only saying he would not answer questions about Gordon until the deal was done.
“If and when it happens, I’m happy to talk about it,” he said after several questions about the trade. “It’s not completed. I don’t understand how we don’t understand that. When it’s completed, it’s completed. If it’s not completed, it’s not completed, and right now, it’s not completed.”
Gordon was later spotted on the practice field.
He was limited: Gordon was a limited participant in practice due to his hamstring, according to the team’s injury report. Gordon reportedly injured his hamstring during a promotional photoshoot last weekend, which contributed to the Cleveland Browns’ decision to part ways with him. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday evening an MRI on Gordon’s hamstring “came out fine.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter also reported Gordon is “healthy enough” to play against the Detroit Lions Sunday night. The Patriots will practice Thursday and Friday before leaving for Detroit. Gordon’s initial game status will be revealed Friday.
His locker is next to Tom Brady’s: Gordon’s locker is between quarterback Tom Brady’s and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson’s.
Gordon did not speak to the media in the locker room Wednesday.
Rob Gronkowski said Gordon’s size and speed stick out to him: Gronkowski said it’s “good” to have Gordon on the team, telling reporters you don’t see players with his size and speed that often. Gronkowski did not have much else to say about Gordon’s game and said he’s more focused on his role.
“I know that he’s a good player, but I can’t really get into details,” he said. “I’ve never really practiced with him like that before seeing him in person play. But, what I’ve seen before, he’s a great player and just definitely glad to have him here.”
As for Gronkowski’s advice on how to fit in in New England?
“Work hard. Do your job. That explains it all.”
Dont’a Hightower also said he’s ‘glad’ to have Gordon on the team: Hightower remembers the Patriots-Browns game in 2013, when Gordon logged seven catches for 151 yards and a touchdown.
“It was a monster game,” Hightower said. “He’s still a monster now. He’s a tremendous athlete. Great receiver.”
Hightower expects the Patriots’ playbook and team meetings to keep Gordon busy in the coming weeks. He noted how “just being a helping hand and an open ear” could benefit any new player, so he plans to make himself available as needed.
“Whatever he needs, whatever questions he has, obviously we’re all here to help for that,” Hightower said. “I’m not a counselor or nothing. We’re teammates, we’re here to help. I’ll leave it at that.”
Josh Gordon warms up during practice.
