NFL: Titans activate Josh Gordon for MNF vs. Buffalo, as the WR readies to debut for fifth franchise

NFL veteran wideout Josh Gordon debuted for Tennessee as 31-year-old begins on-field life with a fifth NFL franchise.

Gordon was activated hours before the Monday night game at Buffalo following almost three weeks on the team’s practice squad. 

Gordon was signed by the AFC South team after his release from Kansas City on August 30.

He signed with the Chiefs last season following a decade-long NFL odyssey that saw the troubled receiver suspended no fewer than five times for issues related to substance abuse. 

Following Monday’s activation, Gordon’s agent, Zac Hiller, told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero that his client simply needs a chance.

‘Josh just needs opportunities to prove that he’s still the incredible player and talent he’s always been,’ he said.

The Titans signed Gordon in an effort to add depth at the position following the offseason trade of star pass-catcher A.J. Brown. 

Josh Gordon has received another NFL lifeline, this time in the form of the Tennessee Titans

‘I think I’m picking it up at a pretty good pace right now,’ Gordon said of his adaptation in Tennessee, Friday, via John Glennon. 

‘From opportunities I’ve been given at practice and what they’ve been asking me to do, I’ve been just trying to key in and know my position, know my place when I’m called and when I’m ready. So far so good on that note.’

In their opening game of the NFL season, Tennessee lost at home to the rejuvenated New York Football Giants 21-20. 

The Titans did not get enormous production out of their receiving corps with Kyle Phillips the team’s leading yard-getting wideout, amassing 6 receptions for 66 yards. 

Gordon was used sparingly by the Kansas City Chiefs last season, amassing just five catches

Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel praised Gordon for his application since entering the building earlier this month. 

‘Josh is continuing to improve and understand how we do things in our offense, the terminology and where he wants to play,’ Vrabel said Saturday. 

‘It has been good. That is what we ask all of those guys on the practice squad, is to prepare as starters each and every week. All of those guys are trying to do that.’

Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (R) will be hoping Gordon can provide a spark for his offense

Monday night marked yet another chapter in what has been a topsy-turvy career for Gordon, who led the league in receiving in 2013 with 1,646 yards.

Many may have thought his NFL dreams were over following his release from Kansas City, but there is hope he can return and make an impact in the AFC South. 

Despite his frequent suspensions, Gordon still drew significant interest last season as he was being reinstated by the NFL. He ultimately caught five passes in 12 games for the Chiefs.

Gordon was a phenomenal wideout during the 2013 NFL season while playing with the Browns

Gordon signed with the Chiefs in September of 2021, shortly after the NFL reinstated him from an indefinite suspension he received in December 2019. 

Gordon was suspended for substance abuse and performance-enhancing substance violations.

A subsequent reinstatement in December 2020 lasted only a month — with no on-field appearances — and was rescinded in January 2021.

The exact substances Gordon used were not revealed, but he told GQ in 2017 that he used marijuana and drank alcohol before both college and NFL games, and has also admitted to abusing prescription drugs and cocaine.

Gordon does have a Super Bowl ring for his efforts with New England during the 2018 season

Gordon entered the league in the 2012 supplemental draft, selected in the second round — No. 1 overall — by the Browns. 

He played in Cleveland until 2018 — he missed 2015-16 due to suspension — then played parts of 2018-19 with the New England Patriots before moving on to Seattle.

In total, the NFL has banned him six times.

Tennessee will be Gordon’s fifth NFL team after previously playing for the Browns, Patriots, Seattle Seahawks and the Chiefs.