Gordon, Hoyer getting reacquainted in practice

Associated Press

BEREA

Browns coach Mike Pettine noticed pass after pass from quarterback Brian Hoyer going in the same direction during practice — at one tall target.

Short throws, long ones, all toward the new guy, No. 12.

Pro Bowl wide receiver Josh Gordon returned from his 10-game suspension on Wednesday and Hoyer couldn’t stop throwing the ball to him during practice.

“Like a kid with a new toy at Christmas,” Pettine said.

Sunday could be another holiday for Hoyer when the Browns (6-4) visit the Atlanta Falcons (4-6), who have the NFL’s worst pass defense and will have their hands full with Gordon, one of the game’s most dangerous players looking to make up for lost time.

The Browns are expected to incorporate Gordon into their game plan, and although he hasn’t played this season, cornerback Joe Haden said he wouldn’t be shocked if the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder has a dazzling debut.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if he went out there and had 250 (yards),” Haden said.

And, it wouldn’t surprise anyone — and fantasy football owners are fantasizing — if the Browns sent Gordon deep on the first play from scrimmage.

Hoyer wouldn’t mind that. He called Gordon a “freak athlete,” saying Arizona cornerback Patrick Peterson is the only player in Gordon’s class.

“The things he can do at his size are remarkable, so I’m glad he’s on our team,” he said.

Pettine said Gordon reported being a “a little sore” following his first practice, which was held indoors as the Browns prepare to play in the Georgia Dome. There’s a big difference between being in shape and being in football shape, which is why the Browns are trying to bring Gordon along slowly this week.

The Browns increased Gordon’s workload on Thursday and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan came away impressed by how the 23-year-old looks despite the lengthy layoff. Gordon’s route running was crisp and he’s managed to stay up to speed with the details of Cleveland’s offense despite not being on the field for a single play in 2014.

“You can tell he’s been working while he’s been away,” Shanahan said. “He’s running good and stuff. We’ve had two practices on turf and we’ll see how his body responds.”

Gordon’s impact could be immediate. Last season, he returned from a two-game suspension and caught 10 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown in a win over Minnesota. It was Hoyer’s first start for the Browns and he targeted Gordon 19 times.

NOTES

Pettine has not ruled out starting LBs Karlos Dansby (knee) and Jabaal Sheard (foot) for Sunday’s game. Pettine said Dansby is doing everything possible to play. “For a guy like that, it’s like not an option for him,” he said. “We’ll have to tell him, ‘Literally, you can’t go.’ He’s that type of player, and that’s what you want. To me, it speaks to his character.” ... TE Jordan Cameron (concussion) also missed practice.