Patriots Reportedly Plan to Release Josh Gordon From IR Thursday

Josh Gordon's tenure in New England is coming to an end, and in a rather unusual manner. After the Patriots initially tried to exploit a league loophole by placing Gordon on IR, it was reported the team had plans to release him. Of course, this all came despite claims from Gordon's end that he was healthy.

This situation should all be wrapped up soon; per Josina Anderson, Gordon will be released from the Patriots on Thursday, once reinstated from the IR.

The Patriots' decision to part ways with Gordon came as a surprise to many. The wide receiver was reinstated by commissioner Roger Goodell back in August, and was expected to play a big role for the Pats in 2019 (and without him, Tom Brady struggled to establish a consistent rapport with any deep threat).

After six games this season, Gordon had logged 20 receptions on 36 targets, picking up 287 yards and a touchdown. In total, Gordon appeared in 17 games for the Patriots, making 60 receptions for 1,007 yards and four touchdowns.

The 28-year-old will be placed on waivers once released, and is expected to draw interest from a handful of contending teams (though he prefers to land in a situation amenable to taking good care of him, of course).

With Gordon out of town, the Patriots will likely try to acclimate Mohamed Sanu further into the offense after acquiring him from the Falcons.