Josh Gordon has been reinstated from his suspension, per multiple reports. He’ll be set to rejoin the Patriots on Sunday and will be eligible to play Week 1. The news brings with it a big shakeup to the Patriots’ WR corps and the overall fantasy rankings and sleepers.
Gordon has obviously battled off-field issues throughout his career, but he’s been mostly productive when he’s been on the field. He played 11 games for the Patriots in 2018, catching 40 balls for 720 yards and three touchdowns. His 11.3 yards per attempt his way is the highest connection with Brady in the Pro Football Focus era, per their @PFF Twitter account. During the offseason, Brady posted video on his Instagram of working out with Gordon.
DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2019 Fantasy Cheat Sheet
With the retirement of Rob Gronkowski, there was uncertainty as to who would catch passes in New England besides receiver Julian Edelman and running back James White. The Patriots drafted N’Keal Harry in the first round, signed Dontrelle Inman, and had undrafted rookie Jakobi Meyers running with the first team during training camp, but it was still anyone's guess as to who would emerge as the No. 2. Now, Gordon adds to the intrigue.
2019 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide Receiver | Tight End | D/ST | Kicker | Top 200
Josh Gordon Fantasy Outlook
Because of Gordon's myriad suspensions throughout his career, it will be hard to count on him playing 16 games. His per-game production should make him a borderline fantasy starter, though. In his 2018 action, Gordon was the 33rd-best fantasy WR in fantasy points per game. That was right behind Calvin Ridley and Mike Williams and right ahead of Chris Godwin. That also factors in his lone game in Cleveland, where he had one catch for 17 yards and a TD.
The presence of Gordon will lower expectations for everyone else in the Pats' receiving corps, aside from Edelman. Meyers goes from a first-team contender to a potential depth piece. Harry, who hasn't shown well in camp so far, is much less likely to be pressed into heavy duty early.
2019 PPR RANKINGS:
Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | Top 200
Tom Brady gets a boost with an establish down-the-field threat added to his offense. The 42-year old may have been looking at more handing the ball off this season with Sony Michel and Damien Harris in the backfield. Gordon's return sets up as, at the very least, a dynamic play-action weapon that New England didn't previously have. It probably doesn't elevate Brady into starting fantasy quarterback level, but it gives him an upside he previously may not have had.
ESPN reported that Gordon should be with the Patriots at their preseason game on Thursday, Aug. 22, although he's unlikely to play. The expectation is that Gordon will be ready to go by Week 1 of the regular season.