Chiefs WR Josh Gordon out vs. Eagles, getting into game shape

Former All-Pro wide receiver Josh Gordon was recently reinstated from his latest drugs-related NFL suspension and put pen to paper on a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this week. 

Gordon hasn't faced a live professional defense since 2019, and it was always unlikely the 30-year-old would be up to speed in time to take the field at the 1-2 Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday. 

Kansas City head coach Andy Reid confirmed the expected news on Friday. 

"He’s not playing this week," Reid said of Gordon, per John Dixon of Arrowhead Pride. "He’s getting himself ready — learning the playbook, doing the mental part and getting a little of the rust knocked off. You can tell he’s very talented. You guys have all seen him play before — I’m not telling you something you don’t know — but he is a talented football player."

On Wednesday, quarterback Patrick Mahomes offered high praise for his new weapon. 

"Everywhere he's been, he's kind of dominated," Mahomes said of Gordon at that time. "He can make plays in one-on-one coverage. He's a big receiver. Even if he's covered, he's not covered. You can kind of throw it up there and he can make plays." 

Mahomes added later in the week he was "excited" to see how the active Kansas City players would react to surprisingly falling to 1-2 on the campaign coming off back-to-back defeats. 

As for Gordon, his next task is to get ready to try to play against the Buffalo Bills on Oct. 10.