Play it out, if the rumors (
I’m not even sure where these rumors come from) are true Gordon will be re-instated on 9-21
1st question - Will the Browns even want him back on their roster given their difficult history with the player? If you believe this story
http://cle.247sports.com/Bolt/Browns-would-welcome-Josh-Gordon-back-to-the-team-43932658 they would want to keep him and why not? Granted Gordon is a troubled man, but he is an ELITE talent when he is right. If it doesn’t work out what have they lost? Beyond that and possibly more importantly, he would be playing at a very reasonable rate.
2nd Question - Is he in shape and motivated? From some pics that have been circulating on the net,
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2017/3/27/15076622/josh-gordon-appears-to-be-in-extraordinary-shape it looks like he is in GREAT physical shape.
Mentally/emotionally there is absolutely no way the average fan/fantasy player can know what he is thinking/feeling. His friend Tim Montgomery claims (take it for what it’s worth) that Gordon finally has his head on straight.
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/20692312/josh-gordon-cleveland-browns-rehab-soon-hopes-return Here is his quote "From what I've seen, he's in a different place than what he was six, seven months ago,'' Montgomery told the website. "He's come a long, long way from when we first started working together.’’
I don't know Josh Gordon, but if he has any sense at all he will realize that if he is re-insated this will be his last chance. It would be enough to motivate me to take this last chance seriously and come back with something to prove.
3rd Question - Assuming the Browns want him back and he is motivated to be back, how long will it take him to get up to speed and be a true contributor? From a fantasy perspective this may be the biggest issue facing people stashing Gordon. My best guess is that if Gordon is taken back by the Browns it will take him a minimum of three weeks to come in and get familiar with the system/coaches/new qb etc.
In my humble opinion IF these rumors are true (I think there may be something to this) I think it’s likely Gordon returns to the field around week seven. He would be walking into a situation where he could contribute right away as it seems Kenny Britt is already in the dog house
http://today.news.ielanguages.com/latest/corey-coleman-kenny-britt-already-in-doghouse and is obviously not in the same league (nor is anyone who would replace Britt) as Gordon talent wise.
My plan of of attack with Gordon is the following...I preemptively grabbed him off the ww a few days back. I plan on holding him for exactly one week to see if he is actually re-instated...If the rumors are true and he is allowed to return
(I don’t see why not. He didn’t kill anyone nor was he involved in a serious domestic issue...The kid smoked pot. What’s the big deal? People are currently playing in the NFL who have done a lot worse) you could have an absolute steal off the ww that wins your season for you...If nothing comes of this as of next week I am simply going to drop him and accept that I was a victim of some internet hype...I think Gordon’s potential massive upside is worth one last roll of the dice. I plan on dropping some mediocre bench player (who you could most likely replace with an equally valuable player next week) or a handcuff taking up a roster spot for the week.
I could be wrong (I usually am) but I think Josh Gordon is coming back sooner rather than later.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/09/12/josh-gordon-due-to-complete-90-day-rehab-stint-next-week/