NFL rumors: Josh Gordon’s Patriots career ‘likely over’, could sign with other team

The New England Patriots placed wide receiver Josh Gordon on injured reserve Wednesday, but that wasn't the most surprising news involving his status with the team.

NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported that Gordon's career with the Patriots is "likely over." There also are a few scenarios that would allow him to wind up playing on another team this season.

If Gordon is going to be released, Pats have to either reach an injury settlement or can release him once he’s healthy. He has less than 4 yrs of service time, so he would go on waivers if/when released. He won’t be a FA unless he clears waivers. https://t.co/KPHMpEWmv1
— Brian McFarland (@RavensSalaryCap) October 23, 2019

When could Gordon be medically cleared? Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reports the expectation is "soon."

Source says Patriots WR Josh Gordon expects to be medically cleared soon, and that his knee injury is "minor". I was told he ran 22 MPH on the treadmill during a rehab session today.

Once he's cleared, he hopes to be released off of IR and sign with a new team.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 23, 2019

Gordon suffered a knee injury during the first half of the Patriots' Week 6 win over the New York Giants. He left the game and didn't return. The same injury kept him out of Monday night's Week 7 victory versus the New York Jets. If his tenure with the Patriots is over, he'll finish with 20 receptions for 287 yards and one touchdown in six games this season.

Gordon's departure would shift more responsibility to newly acquired wideout Mohamed Sanu and rookie N'Keal Harry. The Patriots traded for Sanu in a deal with the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday. Harry returned to practice last week and could make his season debut Week 9 against the Baltimore Ravens if activated from IR.