Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson is getting into the holiday spirit early this winter, with Josh Gordon returning to practice.
Gordon was reinstated from indefinite suspension on Nov. 1 and can be activated from the exempt list on Nov. 27. The Browns will need to make a decision on Gordon's season by Dec. 4, but Jackson appears certain to activate him as soon as possible.
"I get to open a new toy," Jackson said Monday via ESPN's Pat McManamon. "I know what is in that box, but I just want to see how good it is. It is exciting that he will be back out there."
Gordon led the NFL with 1,646 receiving yards in 14 games during the 2013 season but has yet to reach those astonishing heights once again, largely due to suspension. The 26-year-old admitted that he was intoxicated before every game of his career in a November interview with GQ and is looking forward to playing sober.
Jackson marveled at Gordon's progress and is excited about what lies ahead.
"He's done everything that we've asked him to do thus far," Jackson said. "He's working extremely hard. He's excited about being back, about having the opportunity. He was on our sideline yesterday and it was a treat. Just dialoguing with him, the things he saw, the ways he thinks he can help. To me, that was exciting.
"Again he's doing well, and hopefully that will continue."
The Browns are the NFL's lone winless team and Gordon could change their fortunes in what's been a trying season.
