When the Steelers open the regular season at Cleveland on Sept. 9, the Browns could be without one of their biggest offensive threats.
Josh Gordon, the Browns' talented but troubled wide receiver, says he won't report for the start of training camp as he is seeking additional counseling to deal with his mental health and anxiety.
The 27-year-old has not suffered a relapse, nor has he been suspended, but he is taking the extra time as a proactive measure. In the past, Gordon used alcohol or marijuana when he was anxious, something he cannot do without incurring another violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy.
— Flash Gordon (@JOSH_GORDONXII) July 23, 2018
Gordon, who was selected in the second round of the 2012 supplemental draft following a failed drug test, missed the entire 2015 and '16 seasons while suspended for multiple violations of the league's drug policy. He has missed 43 of Cleveland's last 48 games.
He was reinstated last November and appeared in five games, pulling in 18 catches for 335 yards and one touchdown. That was a far cry from his All-Pro season in 2013 when he led the league with 1,646 receiving yards, averaging 117.6 yards per game.
An NFL spokesman said there is no timetable for Gordon's return.