Josh Gordon’s return to Seahawks could push offense to NFC leaders

With Josh Gordon’s return to the Seahawks, the NFC playoffs could run through Seattle.

It’s all about getting healthy at the right time in the NFL. For the Seattle Seahawks, their run game improved over the past two weeks with Carson Carson and Carlos Hyde back in action.

Despite the dynamic duo of Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf looking to carry the passing attack, it might become a trio with the return of Josh Gordon for the remainder of the 2020 NFL season.

As reported by FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer, the former Pro Bowl receiver is expected to be conditionally reinstated from his indefinite suspension set earlier last year. Barring any setbacks, Gordon would be eligible to play the final two games of Seattle’s season when he’s officially active in Week 16.

Gordon was suspended indefinitely last season during his brief tenure in Seattle after he violated the league’s substance-abuse policy. It marked the fifth suspension in eight years for the former Baylor star who missed two seasons due to year-long reviews in 2015 and 2016.

In nine games last season with the Seahawks and New England Patriots, Gordon tallied 27 catches for 426 yards and a touchdown. For his career, the eight-year pro has collected 247 catches, 4252 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns.

The NFL released a statement on Gordon’s situation early Thursday afternoon.

Could this be what Seattle needs?

Gordon, 29, will be allowed to begin COVID-19 testing on Friday and may join the Seahawks on Wednesday, Dec. 9, if he tests negative for the virus. If he can return to practice, it will be up to Pete Carroll to see if he will return for the final two games.

The Seahawks have impressed as a passing team in 2020 thanks to the consistency of Lockett and big-time radius surrounding Metcalf. Third option David Moore recently hauled in a touchdown pass last Monday during the team’s 23-17 victory over the Eagles.

Seattle might boast one of the better passing attacks, but it struggles to convert on third down. The team ranks 26th in conversions, averaging a 39.5 percent success rate. With a solid run game, plus a balanced passing attack early, Gordon could be that weapon to help secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff picture.