NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (14-5)

LAST SEASON: Patriots chances of reaching third straight Super Bowl seemed doomed after Julian Edelman's four-game suspension for performance enhancers, 1-2 start...

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The Patriots aren't ready to give up on the possibility of Josh Gordon playing football again in New England.

The team extended qualifying offers to the restricted...

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (14-5)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: K Stephen Gostkowski, P Ryan Allen, WR Cordarrelle Patterson, WR Chris Hogan, WR Phillip Dorsett, LT Trent Brown, RT LaAdrian Waddle, DE...

ATLANTA (AP) — The Super Bowls have become a yearly ritual for the New England Patriots under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.

They're back for the third straight year and the ninth time overall despite a taxing season that seemed doomed after Julian Edelman's four-game suspension for performance-enhancers, a 1-2 start to the regular season, various injuries and the arrival and abrupt departure of Josh Gordon.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The 2018 season has been one of constant adaptation for the defending AFC champion Patriots.

Initial reports were encouraging after Cowboys defensive lineman Tyrone Crawford suffered a scary injury in Dallas' NFC East-clinching 27-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

Crawford injured his neck on the second play of the game. His neck was stabilized on a stretcher with his facemask removed, and the seventh-year player was moving his arms and legs before he was taken off the field.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Tom Brady has a 29-3 record against the Buffalo Bills, the most victories by a quarterback against one opponent. A 30th will give the Patriots their 10th straight AFC East crown.

But he won't have suspended receiver Josh Gordon, who was starting to carve out a vital role in the England's offense.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Patriots receiver Josh Gordon was suspended indefinitely Thursday by the NFL for violating an agreement that allowed him to play after multiple drug suspensions, casting doubt on whether the talented but troubled playmaker would ever play in the league again.

League officials said Thursday that Gordon was returned to the reserve/commissioner suspended list indefinitely for breaking the terms of his reinstatement under the NFL substance abuse policy.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The Latest on Patriots wide receiver Josh Gordon stepping away from football (all times local):

2:55 p.m.

The NFL says that Patriots receiver Josh Gordon has been returned to the reserve/commissioner suspended list indefinitely for violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement under the league's substance abuse policy.

Anyone who missed the Game of the Season — Tom Brady and the New England Patriots 43, Pat Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs 40 — can take solace in knowing there very well could be a rematch a little more than three months away.

And no one, except for players on other AFC teams, would be disappointed if Jan. 20 brings the world Patriots vs. Chiefs II, with a conference title and Super Bowl berth at stake.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — On a night when he reached 500 career touchdown passes, Tom Brady welcomed back a buddy with one of his three scoring tosses Thursday, then connected with a newcomer who could help him reach more milestones.

Brady also sneaked in for a rushing touchdown and the New England Patriots put together their second straight win after a mediocre start to the season, beating Indianapolis 38-24.

DETROIT (AP) — New England wide receiver Josh Gordon is inactive against the Detroit Lions on Sunday night, delaying his debut with the Patriots.

Gordon was listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. He was limited in practice after being acquired from the Cleveland Browns.

New England safety Patrick Chung and defensive end Trey Flowers are inactive because of concussions.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — It took a few days before Bill Belichick finally admitted Friday that troubled but talented wide receiver Josh Gordon is a New England Patriot.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Josh Gordon arrived at a Patriots' team facility that was abuzz with excitement about what he could potentially bring to their depleted receiving group.

There was also just as strong a sentiment in the building to keep any lofty expectations in check — at least for now.

Gordon practiced with the Patriots for the first time Wednesday since being traded by the Browns on Monday.

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — With Josh Gordon long gone after he and his baggage were jettisoned to the Patriots, the Browns need another dynamic playmaker to stretch the field.

Antonio Callaway had better be ready.

"He ain't got no choice," Browns receiver Jarvis Landry said with a smile.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Josh Gordon's strange, stuttering career will start anew in New England.

Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have a new offensive toy.

The Browns severed ties for good with the problematic wide receiver by trading him to the Patriots for a fifth-round draft pick on Monday, ending a relationship the team did all it could to save.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A day after deciding to move on from troubled receiver Josh Gordon, the Cleveland Browns now have cause to consider cutting loose their kicker, too.

The Browns were kicking themselves after yet another missed opportunity Sunday, losing 21-18 to the Saints in no small part because Zane Gonzalez missed two field goals and two extra points.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Josh Gordon's troubled tenure with the Cleveland Browns has ended.

The team isn't going to help him any longer. He let them down for the final time.

The Browns announced Saturday night that it intends to release the former Pro Bowl wide receiver, whose immense talent has been overshadowed by substance abuse that has derailed a promising career.

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Even days later, Josh Gordon's emotions remain jumbled following his first season-opening game since he was a rookie in 2012.

The Browns stopped their 17-game losing streak by tying the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Gordon still isn't sure how he feels about it.

CLEVELAND (AP) — For the Browns, winning the season opener over Pittsburgh could bring closure.

The end of a 17-game losing streak. The first opening-week victory since 2004. More relief from the haunting memories of an 0-16 season. A new beginning for a franchise and fan base that has suffered far too long.

Rarely has a first game felt some important. Beyond big.

CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-16)

New faces: GM John Dorsey, QB Tyrod Taylor, WR Jarvis Landry, RB Carlos Hyde, LB Mychal Kendricks, DB Damarious Randall, QB Baker Mayfield, CB Denzel Ward, LT Austin Corbett, RT Chris Hubbard, WR Antonio Callaway, TE Darren Fells, DB E.J. Gaines, WR Jeff Janis, DB Terrance Mitchell, DL Chris Smith, QB Drew Stanton, CB T.J. Carrie.

Key losses: LT Joe Thomas, RB Isaiah Crowell, QB DeShone Kizer, NT Danny Shelton, CB Jason McCourty, CB Jamar Taylor, WR Ricardo Louis.

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Nothing is guaranteed with Josh Gordon, equal parts mysterious and mesmerizing.

The wide receiver's ill-fated career has included too many stops and starts, too many off-field issues to predict whether Gordon will ever fulfill his potential or return to Pro Bowl form or simply flame out — another oh-what-might-have-been casualty.

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Josh Gordon got the go-ahead from the NFL to practice. Now one of his hamstrings is holding him back.

The former Pro Bowl wide receiver, whose career has been derailed by drug and alcohol addictions, was released by the league on Saturday to resume all on-field activities with the Browns after being limited to attending meetings, working out and watching practice since returning from a three-week absence.

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Browns coach Hue Jackson expects wide receiver Josh Gordon will be on the practice field "very soon."

Gordon returned to the team Saturday following a three-weeks-plus absence connected to his recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. The former Pro Bowler has only been allowed to attend meetings and watch from the sideline since returning. He may need to be cleared by the NFL before he can practice.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon was back at practice on Sunday — as a spectator.

Gordon visited with teammates and Hall of Famer Jim Brown a day after ending his three-week absence from training camp and missing the first two exhibition games to work on his mental health and sobriety. The former Pro Bowler appeared to be in a good mood — and in excellent shape — as he stayed to the side and worked with trainers on his conditioning.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Josh Gordon kept his word and "humbly" returned to the Cleveland Browns.

All they can do is hope he stays clean.

The former Pro Bowl wide receiver, who has battled drug and alcohol dependence for much of his life, Saturday ended an extended absence from training camp to deal with his health and returned to the team.

Gordon has missed most of the past four seasons because of numerous violations of the NFL's substance-abuse policy, derailing a promising career.

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Jarvis Landry is friends with Dez Bryant. He'd like to be teammates.

With the Browns in the market for another playmaker because of Josh Gordon's absence and uncertainty, Landry said Monday that he hopes Bryant, a three-time Pro Bowler wide receiver in Dallas, joins him in Cleveland.

"If he wants to be here then obviously we're open arms and we'd love to have him," Landry said. "He'd be a great addition to our team and our offense — for sure."

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Josh Gordon hasn't reported to Cleveland Browns training camp, but his presence is being felt on the field.

Fellow wide receiver Rashard Higgins is wearing Gordon's gear under his uniform at each practice.

"That's my locker buddy, and I'm wearing his shirts every day," Higgins said Saturday. "That's why I feel like I've got superpowers when I come out here."

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — The Browns remain interested in former Dallas wide receiver Dez Bryant while managing without Josh Gordon.

Bryant emerged as a possible backup plan for Cleveland after Gordon stepped away from the team to receive treatment to address his health associated with a recovery from drug addiction. The Browns don't know when Gordon will be back, and in the interim they have discussed signing the temperamental Bryant, who spent eight sometimes combustible seasons with the Cowboys.

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — While Josh Gordon's away, the Browns may launch Plan B with their wide receivers.

Dez Bryant is on their radar.

As they await clarity on Gordon's cloudy situation, Cleveland general manager John Dorsey said Wednesday the team has discussed signing Bryant, the former Dallas star released by the Cowboys in April.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Days before opening training camp, the Cleveland Browns learned Josh Gordon will be missing again.

For how long remains unclear.

The troubled wide receiver, who has been suspended numerous times over the past six years by the NFL for drug violations, said on Twitter that he won't be with the team for the start of camp as he continues to recover from addictions that have derailed his once-promising career.

So (insert name of NFL beat writer) says (fill in name of player) is having a tremendous offseason. This could be the year (repeat name of player) breaks out.

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Josh Gordon's new route through life, a straight and sober one, is rewarding him every day.

Given another chance to revive an NFL career he nearly threw away due to addiction, Gordon is embracing moments he once ignored.

"Right now for me it's a bunch of the small victories day to day, just being able to come to work," the Browns wide receiver said Tuesday while reflecting on his dark past. "Like the little, little things. Having some structure in my life."

1, 4. CLEVLEAND BROWNS (0-16)

CLEVELAND (AP) — Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon will make $790,000 next season after signing with the club as an exclusive rights free agent.

Gordon returned to the Browns and played five games last season following an NFL suspension and a lengthy rehab stint. Gordon, 27, is expected to report for the team's offseason workout program Monday. He's eligible to be a restricted free agent in 2019.

MIAMI (AP) — Jarvis Landry is leaving one bad offense for another one.

The Miami Dolphins agreed to trade the Pro Bowl receiver to the Cleveland Browns for two draft picks, two people familiar with the deal said Friday.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers have listed cornerback Davon House as doubtful for their game Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, potentially weakening an already depleted position.

House hasn't practiced since hurting his shoulder during the 26-20 overtime win last week over Tampa Bay.

CARSON, Calif. (AP) — Casey Hayward spent the week away from the Los Angeles Chargers after his brother was killed in a car accident Monday night. The star cornerback thought about staying with his relatives in Georgia and skipping the Chargers' game against Cleveland.

Instead, he returned in time to join his other family for another victory in the Chargers' remarkable resurgence.

"I'm better when I'm out here," Hayward said. "I'm better when I'm on the field."

CARSON, Calif. (AP) — It felt like just another game for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon.

"It was real familiar, man," Gordon said. "Football is something I have been doing my whole life. New stadium, that's about it, you know?"

However, playing in his first game since Dec. 21, 2014 after substance abuse issues nearly ended his promising NFL career, Gordon's return in the Browns' 19-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers was anything but routine.

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Josh Gordon's complicated and curious journey from drug-riddled streets to NFL stardom to suspensions to rehab to possible redemption is headed to a fitting location.

In Hollywood's shadow.

Banned from the league the past two seasons for multiple violations of the league's substance abuse policy, Gordon will play his first regular-season game since Dec. 21, 2014, when the Browns visit the Los Angeles Chargers.

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Josh Gordon's imminent return has the Browns buzzing.

Suddenly, there's a ray of hope in this dreary, dismal season.

With Gordon eligible to play on Sunday in Los Angeles for the first time in the regular season since 2014, coach Hue Jackson can barely contain his excitement in having the wide receiver back.

"My plans for him?" Jackson said Monday. "Oh boy, let me tell you, I have big plans for him."

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — As he builds his body into football shape and develops trust with his teammates, Josh Gordon feels forgiven.

Since returning to the Browns following an indefinite drug suspension by the NFL for numerous abuse violations, Gordon doesn't sense any resentment or anger directed at him.

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Banned for nearly two years, Josh Gordon ran uninhibited around the field.

While it may have only been a practice, for Gordon it was another new beginning — his last chance.

Suspended for the past two seasons, Gordon practiced with the Cleveland Browns for the first time in nearly 450 days on Wednesday, a significant moment in his comeback after nearly throwing away his NFL career.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Every day he stays committed and sober, Josh Gordon takes another step toward playing again in the NFL.

The long walk and wait are nearly over.

The wide receiver, who squandered millions in potential earnings and derailed a promising career because of substance abuse, will practice with the Browns on Wednesday for the first time in 14 months — a return that once seemed unimaginable.