Josh Gordon starts despite report about discipline

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – So what exactly happened with Josh Gordon?

It’s uncertain.

On Monday, the NFL Network reported that that Patriots were going to disciplined Gordon during the team’s matchup with the Buffalo Bills due to tardiness. Gordon was expected to be kept off the field at New Era Field for several series, about a quarter, and then will go back to his regular playing time after that.

Despite corroborating reports about the receiver [...]

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – So what exactly happened with Josh Gordon?

It’s uncertain.

On Monday, the NFL Network reported that that Patriots were going to disciplined Gordon during the team’s matchup with the Buffalo Bills due to tardiness. Gordon was expected to be kept off the field at New Era Field for several series, about a quarter, and then will go back to his regular playing time after that.

Despite corroborating reports about the receiver being late on multiple occasions this week, Gordon started when the Patriots took the field on Monday. It was a bizarre scene after the news broke that evening.

According to The Athletic, Gordon was late to Gillette on Sunday before the team’s bus took off from Buffalo and headed to T.F. Green Airport. The Patriots typically fly out the day before a game and have players, coaches and staff all ride a bus together to the airport. According to the Boston Herald, Gordon also showed up late to a team meeting last week.

Gordon was traded to the Patriots this season after suffering a hamstring injury during a promotional shoot. He then reportedly showed up late to the Cleveland Browns’ facility. This came after Gordon missed the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons due to violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He played in just five games last season after being reinstated to the NFL.

Gordon has been a hit with teammates on and off the field this season in Foxboro. In four games, he has 13 receptions for 224 yards and a touchdown. He finished the Patriots last game with 100 yards for the first time this season. Players and coaches alike have praised Gordon for his work ethic.

Gordon, however, will have to get things in order off the field if he wants to have continued success with the Patriots. The Pats historically will give a player multiple chances before they cut bait and move on. Gordon represents a big wild card in Foxboro. This will be a situation to monitor going forward.