Patriots Players Reveal Their Expressions About Having Josh Gordon Back From Suspension

Patriots head coach Bill belichick didn’t say much about Josh Gordon and his reinstatement, but his players are more than excited to have the receiver back on the field.

Patriots players spoke before practice Monday, and they couldn’t hide their excitement.

“I’ve briefly been able to say hello to him,” running back Rex Burkhead said. “He’s a great player, great guy, and it’s a pleasure to see him around again. … He’s a great addition for our team. Whatever the coaches ask for him, I’m sure he’ll be ready to do.” 

The league conditionally reinstated Gordon, and he will be able to practice until he is removed from the NFI list.

“We love Josh,” fellow wideout Phillip Dorsett said. “I love Josh. I’m just glad to have him back. … It’s definitely good to see him. It’s refreshing.” 

During his time with the Patriots, Gordon caught 40 passes on 69 targets for 720 yards and three touchdowns.

“He’s a physical specimen,” Dorsett said. “We all know that. Even from what he did last year — he helped this team out a lot. And we’re definitely hoping he can come back and do the same.” 

Dorsett has already talked about the possibility to have Gordon back.

“It definitely would mean a lot to him, because I know it means a lot to him to just play football,” he recently told ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “I was definitely close to him. I just hope he gets himself right. That’s my main concern — just him as a human being. I don’t really care about the football thing. I just want to see him be healthy in his mind, his body and spirit.”

“Josh is a great teammate,” center David Andrews said, “and we are glad to have him back.” 
 If you ask McCourty, he will say the same.

“I’d be happy for him,” he said. “I think at this point, everybody here, you’re just encouraging and you just hope everything is working right with him — not only with reinstatement but just in life, that he’s doing well, progressing the way he needs to progress. If the next step in that progression is coming back to the team, obviously everyone here would be thrilled to have him. He’s an awesome person, dealing with things just like the rest of us.”