Following a 1-2 start to the season, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Josh Gordon with the hope of it creating a spark for the offense. Just days after he joined the practice squad, the former NFL star is making a great first impression and could debut sooner than expected.
When the Chiefs first announced the Gordon signing, head coach Andy Reid said the team wanted to bring him along slowly. The 30-year-old last played an NFL snap during the 2019 season and Kansas City wanted him to be ready before he took the field.
It seems some time away from football hasn’t taken away from Gordon’s talent, with glowing reports already coming out of Kansas City.
According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, Gordon is already making quite the impression with his new team. Those who watched him at practice said he looked like a No. 1 receiver, showing outstanding physical traits and no signs of rust after his time away from the NFL.
- Josh Gordon career stats: 247 receptions, 4,252 receiving yards, 20 touchdowns and 17.2 ypc
The NFL reinstated Gordon on September 24 after he served the fifth suspension of his NFL career. He applied for reinstatement in July, receiving support from the NFL Players’ Association, and there is confidence about his ability to avoid setbacks with the NFL no longer suspending players for use of marijuana.
Gordon last played meaningful snaps in 2019, suiting up for the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. He hauled in six catches for 139 receiving yards in five games with the Seahawks. Before that, he posted 287 receiving yards and a touchdown in six games with the Patriots.
While the Chiefs have All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce, quarterback Patrick Mahomes has long sought a No. 2 receiver who could make plays. If Gordon can avoid any setbacks, the 6-foot-3 receiver has the talent to make an impact for Kansas City immediately.