Andy Reid gives update on Josh Gordon’s availability for Eagles game

It’s not really ordinary for NFL players and coaches to be asked many times about a new player signed to their team’s practice squad — but that’s what’s been happening at the Truman Sports Complex this week after the Kansas City Chiefs signed wide receiver Josh Gordon.

Even tight end Jody Fortson — whom the Chiefs brought to the podium on Friday because he scored the first touchdown of his two-year NFL career against the Los Angeles Chargers last Sunday — was pressed for his views on the controversial wide receiver.

“I mean, he’s just bringing us another form of a big body — and an athletic player,” he told reporters. “I feel like [general manager] Brett Veach, coach Reid and coach Bieniemy do a good job of bringing people in to help benefit the team. And from what I’ve seen so far, the dude looks good.”

But while we’ve heard many such opinions from Kansas City players this week, the one that matters most is that of head coach Andy Reid, who has now had Gordon in the building since Tuesday.

“Listen, he looks in pretty good shape. I mean, he’s got a little less body fat than I do,” Reid said with a grin. “He’s trimmed down, and he’s really fit; one thing he’s been doing is working out... I think he’s in good shape. He’s been out here working very hard.”

As we noted after Gordon was officially signed on Tuesday, it was unlikely that he would be brought up to the active roster before Sunday’s Week 4 game against the Philadelphia Eagles — which on Friday, Reid turned into a certainty.

“He’s not playing this week,” noted Reid. “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.”

But for at least the game against the Eagles, Gordon will remain on the sidelines.