Josh Gordon will finally take the field with the Browns for 1st time since 2014

Josh Gordon’s return to the NFL technically happened a few weeks ago when he was reinstated by the league on Nov. 1. But now it’s official: Gordon will start for the Browns on Sunday for the first time since 2014, according to Andrew Gribble of the team’s website.

Cleveland essentially confirmed as much by removing him from the Commissioner’s Exempt list Thursday night.

“I have big plans for him. I plan for him to play and play as much as he can handle,” head coach Hue Jackson said on Monday. “I think he is a very talented player. He needs to play, needs to get out there and play but we have to see where he is and make sure how much can he handle, how much can he do.”

Jackson seemed excited about Gordon’s return when he confirmed that Gordon will play against the Chargers.

”Yeah, he’s going to start! I’m surprised you would ask,” Jackson said, via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Gordon is talented, but his career has been marred by suspension after suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on substance abuse. He was allowed to begin practicing with the Browns on Nov. 20 and was eligible to return to the field for the team’s Dec. 3 matchup against the Chargers.

Jackson believes Gordon is ready to go despite so much time away from the game.

And will Gordon play limited snaps in his first game back? Jackson was clear: That won’t be the case.

Gordon’s career looked to be over the last time he was conditionally reinstated in 2016. He opted to enter rehab instead of resuming his career with the Browns when he was finally eligible to play.

Now Gordon will get a chance to help a Browns team that still hasn’t won a game heading into Week 13.

What does this mean for Gordon? It’s a chance for him to revive a promising career after addiction nearly derailed it.

Before he was reinstated by the league, Gordon shared his story with GQ and revealed the extent of his addiction. He said that he used to use drugs and/or drink alcohol before every single game. But now he’s clean and he’s focused on his future.

“My life is a just a conducive space of who I need to be for me, psychologically, physically, it’s all coming together,” Gordon said via the team’s official website. “Right now, at this point in time in my life, I’m feeling well, I’m feeling great.”

Gordon led the league in receiving yards in 2013 with 1,646 and had nine touchdowns. He never reached his full potential because of his battles with substance abuse. But the Browns, and Gordon, hope that changes now.

What does this mean for the Browns? If Gordon can stay healthy and replicate even some of his performance from 2013, he’ll be a welcome addition to a Browns team that hasn’t had much to get excited about this season.

Head coach Hue Jackson thinks Gordon just might be the spark the Browns need.

“Hopefully, Josh will come back and bring a different spirit to our offensive football team and football team and he can make some plays,” Jackson said. “If he does that, then he will be doing just what we need him to do. I think the players have seen him out there and they have seen what he can do. I think they are excited about him playing and about playing with him. That within itself will bring something to this football team.”

Gordon has his sights set on lofty goals.

“But ultimately my goal is to be the best wide receiver of all time … that’s always been my goal and I think it’s been reaffirmed for me time and time again,” Gordon said. “Now being back in a situation to do it, I plan on seeing it through.”

Gordon has a long road ahead of him to reach that goal. But getting back on the field for the Browns this week is a start.