The Denver Broncos could be without a key component of their offense when they take on the Kansas City Chiefs for a rivalry clash in Week 13.
According to head coach Vic Fangio, Broncos' leading rusher Melvin Gordon was held out of practice on Wednesday while he nurses an ailing hip and shoulder.
Broncos RB Melvin Gordon (shoulder/hip) not practicing Wednesdayhttps://t.co/dO7ujkc4hD pic.twitter.com/aVjPgPLrAj
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) December 1, 2021
Gordon was questionable heading into Week 12's matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. He ended up taking the field and logged a nice 12-yard rush on his first touch of the game, but headed to the sideline afterward after sustaining a hip injury.
He did return to the game and managed his usual workload, recording 17 rushes for 83 yards in the Broncos' win, but it seems the ailments are limiting his availability this week.
If Gordon is unable to suit up on Sunday, rookie RB Javonte Williams will likely see the bulk of Denver's carries, with Mike Boone also available in a backup capacity. This season, Williams has 117 carries for 568 yards and two rushing touchdowns, in addition to 27 receptions for 193 yards and a touchdown.
Gordon, on the other hand, has rushed 135 times for 605 yards and five touchdowns. He's played a minor role in the passing game, too, with 22 receptions and 166 yards to go with a pair of scores.
The Gordon-Williams tandem has been a top-10 rushing attack over the past three weeks, averaging 144.3 yards per game combined during that span. The Chiefs' rushing defense has been vastly improved over that same duration, however, surrendering just 84.7 yards per game over its previous three weeks.
The Broncos are just one game behind the Chiefs in the AFC West, so this Week 13 matchup will be pivotal towards the outcome of the division. Fangio and Co. are hopeful Gordon will be able to get back in time for the marquee matchup.
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