National Football League

Browns activate WR Josh Gordon; will play vs. Falcons

Published Nov. 22, 2014 1:15 p.m. ET

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The Cleveland Browns have officially activated wide receiver Josh Gordon from the exempt/commissioner permission list.

The team made the announcement Saturday afternoon ahead of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. In a corresponding move, the team waived linebacker Keith Pough.

The 23-year-old Gordon, who served a 10-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy, should spark an offense that has been inconsistent at best this season.

"Athletically, no one is going to question Josh Gordon," quarterback Brian Hoyer said Wednesday per the Plain Dealer. "He's a freak, but I think as far as this game, it's not basketball. You don't just go out and shoot hoops. There are plays. It's a team game. He has to be able to show that he can do that, and I thought it was a good first step today."

Gordon led the league in with 1,646 receiving yards in 14 games last season. During a five-game span, Gordon had a touchdown in each game and was targeted 13 times on average.

While Browns head coach Mike Pettine said this week that Gordon will be on a "pitch count," expect Gordon to get plenty of looks early and often.