Josh Gordon fantasy value rising, could return by Week 2

Those of you who took a chance on Josh Gordon in your fantasy drafts this season or held onto him as a keeper may soon be rewarded for your loyalty to the Cleveland Browns wide receiver. According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the NFL’s revised drug policy, if approved, could have Gordon back on the field as early as Week 2.

Under the new policy, which is still being negotiated by the NFL and NFL Players Association, the threshold for a positive marijuana test would be 50 nanograms per milliliter. Gordon’s sample measured 16 ng/ml, which would be well below the threshold. Gordon is in Stage Three of the league’s drug program, which would mean any failed test results in a one-year suspension. But if the threshold is raised that much, his test would become negative.

As Cabot notes, there is still some confusion as to whether Gordon’s failed test would be considered part of the new league year. The new league year started March 11, and it is unclear if the new policy will apply to players who tested positive after the start of the new league year or those who were suspended after March 11. Cabot reports that the NFL has known about Gordon’s suspension since February, which could complicate his situation.

In addition, let us not forget that Gordon was also busted for a DWI back in July. The NFL is reportedly seeking a minimum two-game suspension for first-time DWI offenders. Gordon’s hearing for his DWI has been pushed back to November, meaning if he is found guilty he could wind up serving a two-game suspension for that later in the season.

There are obviously still a lot of moving parts, but the future suddenly looks bright for Gordon and Wes Welker. Nothing is set in stone, but we wouldn’t blame fantasy owners if they started getting a little giddy.