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PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK

Josh Gordon landed a new number, a prime locker spot, and got down to work with the Patriots

Josh Gordon worked out with the Patriots Wednesday. Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff

FOXBOROUGH — Josh Gordon didn’t arrive in a flash — his trade wasn’t finalized until early Wednesday afternoon — but he looked a little flashy in his first practice as a Patriot.

Wearing No. 10 as well as snazzy red gloves and cleats to match, New England’s newest receiver worked out with his teammates for the first time — stretching, jogging, and participating in individual drills during the portion of practice media were allowed to observe.

Though he was officially listed as limited with a hamstring injury, reportedly suffered while shooting a promotional video for his “Flash” line of merchandise last week — Gordon didn’t appear limited at all as he ran short burst patterns and caught passes from a staffer.

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Coach Bill Belichick declined to talk about Gordon before practice, saying there were “terms that have to be met before the trade is finalized.’’

The Patriots acquired the dynamic but sometimes disruptive Gordon from the Browns for a fifth-round pick. New England originally was going to receive a seventh-round pick in addition if Gordon didn’t play in 10 games. However, according to NFL Media, the Patriots will now receive that selection regardless of Gordon’s participation level this season and that may have been what held Belichick up from giving his thoughts on his new receiver.

Gordon, who was given the locker next to Tom Brady, comes to a club with a strong veteran presence with plenty of teammates to lean on as he tries to acclimate to the New England way of things.

“[Between] meetings and the playbook, I think he’s going to have his hands full,’’ said Dont’a Hightower. “Anybody coming in, obviously just being a helping hand and an open ear can help. Whatever he needs, whatever questions he has, obviously we’re all here to help for that.’’

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Chris Hogan said he “was one of those guys that had a lot of questions” when he arrived, so now he likes to pay the knowledge forward.

“If guys have questions, I’m always available,’’ he said. “I always try to help guys when they have questions, big or small . . . So I try to help any way I can and be a leader.’’

Gordon has had his share of off-field transgressions and Hightower was asked if a strong locker room would help him move past his troubled past.

“I’m not a counselor or nothing,’’ he said. “We’re teammates, we’re here to help. I’ll leave it at that.’’

Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff
Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff
Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff

Jones is re-signed

There was also a familiar face back at practice after the team signed Cyrus Jones off the Ravens’ practice squad to a two-year deal. The cornerback/return specialist had been released on cutdown day and signed with his hometown Ravens shortly afterward.

Jones, New England’s second-round selection in 2016, missed all of 2017 with a torn ACL. He was still rehabbing the injury when training camp opened but came on strong over the final two exhibition games, showing the vision, burst, and acceleration he had been known for in college.

Belichick lamented the fact that the team wasn’t able to give Jones more chances to show his return abilities during the exhibition season.

With the team releasing Kenjon Barner, and Julian Edelman still two weeks from returning from his suspension, Jones could step in immediately as the punt returner Sunday night against the Lions.

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Two missing

Defensive end Trey Flowers and safety Patrick Chung were the only players missing from practice. Both suffered concussions during the 31-20 loss in Jacksonville last Sunday.

In addition to Gordon, four others were listed as limited: cornerbacks Eric Rowe (groin) and Keion Crossen (hamstring); right tackle Marcus Cannon (calf); and safety Nate Ebner (hip).

Running back Sony Michel (knee) and defensive end Deatrich Wise (finger) were full participants.

Coleman retained

Gordon bumped fellow former Browns receiver Corey Coleman off the Patriots roster but the team brought the former first-rounder back to the practice squad according to NFL Media . . . Hightower was asked if he remembered facing Gordon in 2013 when the receiver had seven catches for 151 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown on a slant route. “He was a monster then,’’ said Hightower. “And he’s still a monster now.’’ The Patriots rallied from a 26-14 deficit with 3:08 to play to win that game, 27-26. Shane Vereen was a monster that day, too. He had 12 catches for 153 yards and a rushing TD . . . Receiver Cody Hollister, who is on the reserve/non-football injury list, made a rare stroll through the locker room . . . Belichick, when asked about Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford’s ability as a downfield passer, said, “As good as there is in football. He does and excellent job of seeing down the field in all situations. He’s extremely dangerous — one of the very best in the league for sure.’’


Jim McBride can be reached at james.mcbride@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @globejimmcbride.

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