The Browns have been winning, but they’ve also been doing it without one of their best players.
So naturally, they’re ready for Josh Gordon to return Monday, after his 10-game drug suspension.
“I know that’s next week, and I can’t wait to get him back,’' offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “I’m looking forward to it.’'
Shanahan has been adjusting on the fly all year, without Gordon, Jordan Cameron (concussion) and center Alex Mack (broken leg), taking three Pro Bowlers out of the mix.
They’ve survived, but Shanahan isn’t worried about disrupting things by trying to get his most explosive downfield player the ball.
“I haven’t seen him out on the football field since training camp, so we’ll have to see where he’s at physically and everything,’' said Shanahan. “We’ll try to get him in there, and as soon as he’s ready to go, we’ll make sure to work to get him the ball.”
Gordon has been able to work out at the facility and go to team meetings, but Monday will mark his return to the practice field. How quickly he gets up to speed might be the difference in the Browns making a push for a division title.