The Facts: Gordon has been removed from the non-football injury list, paving the way for him to be part of the team's game plan for the Sept. 8 opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Diehards Line: Gordon, who was conditionally reinstated by the NFL on Aug. 16, practiced in full pads for the first time Sunday. He is also eligible to play in the Patriots' preseason finale against the visiting New York Giants on Thursday. We'll be watching for more.