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NFL roundup: Josh Gordon practices with first-stringers, Tyrann Mathieu returns

By Brad Weiss

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 29: Wide receiver Josh Gordon #12 of the Cleveland Browns catches a pass against cornerback Ike Taylor #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a game at Heinz Field on December 29, 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Browns 20-7. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 29: Wide receiver Josh Gordon #12 of the Cleveland Browns catches a pass against cornerback Ike Taylor #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a game at Heinz Field on December 29, 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Browns 20-7. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /
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The NFL preseason is halfway done, and with Week 3 on the horizon, it is time for teams to make some serious decisions.

Despite the fact that he will be suspended for the first four games of the NFL season, Cleveland Browns wide receiver was working with the first-team in practice on Sunday. Gordon, who will not be able to practice during his suspension, participated in three series with the starters. New head coach Hue Jackson feels Gordon will be one of his best players when he returns from suspension. In 2013, his last full season in the league, Gordon led the NFL in receiving yards with 1,646.

Also returning to practice on Sunday was Tyrann Mathieu, although he is returning from a completely different reason. Mathieu tore his ACL during Week 15 of the 2015 NFL season, and has been working his way back to full strength. On Sunday, Mathieu competed in individual drills, 7-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills, and said he felt around 80 percent. At this pace, Mathieu may be back before the Arizona Cardinals open their 2016 season against the New England Patriots on “Sunday Night Football.”

The New England Patriots will be without running back Dion Lewis for at least the next two months, as he had to have a “cleanup” surgery on his repaired ACL. He had surgery to repair the torn ACL back in November, but apparently the knee still needs work. He will begin the season on the physically unable to perform list. Lewis had a breakout season for the Patriots in 2015, and the team will now be without their top running back and quarterback to start the season.

Prior to training camp, New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith was slated to be the team’s starter. The team had yet to re-sign Ryan Fitzpatrick, clearing the way for Smith to get another shot at the starting spot. Just a few weeks later, Smith may not even be the team’s backup for much longer. After a strong performance by third-stringer Bryce Petty in the Jets last preseason game, head coach Todd Bowles refused to say whether Smith is still the team’s backup. Petty has really turned heads this preseason, as he wasn’t even a safe bet to make the roster when camp began.

Staying in New York, first-year Giants head coach Ben McAdoo said there were “no positives” during the team’s last preseason game, a 21-0 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The offense looked terrible, and has now committed eight turnovers through two preseason games. The first-team should get an extended look in Week 3, so there is no reason to be worried at this point. One thing is for sure, the Giants better hope Eli Manning stays healthy, because backup Ryan Nassib has been terrible this preseason.

Next: Best QB/Head Coach Combos in NFL History

Finally, some rules news for the upcoming season. The NFL Competition Committee approved to remove the “probable” category from the injury report. From now on, a player must be labeled as “questionable,” “doubtful,” or “out.” The hope of the league is that it will force teams to be more forthright with information regarding the health of their players. It likely will not make a difference, as coaches will now just make probable players questionable.

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