So much for Austin Ekeler being the bell-cow against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Following an injury to backup running back Justin Jackson (calf), the Los Angeles Chargers could play Melvin Gordon on Sunday after all.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Chargers coach Anthony Lynn says there is a chance Gordon plays on Sunday due to the team's lack of depth at the position.
“I've said all along there's a chance,” Lynn told the media on Friday, via Grant Gordon of NFL Media. “He's looked fine. He's in good shape, but he hasn't been practicing football, so obviously he's not ready to go back in there and carry the load right now but you never know, he may have to.”
Gordon officially ended a lengthy holdout — due to a contract dispute — when he returned to practice on Thursday. Initially, the belief was the two-time Pro Bowler wouldn't play, considering he missed all of training camp and the first three weeks of the season. However, the Chargers need him now more than ever.
If he does play, don't expect Gordon to have unlimited snaps.
“We understand that Melvin has been back for a day and a half so we have to be careful with if he plays, how much he plays, and if he even played,” Lynn said on Friday.
In a post-Jackson injury world, the Chargers must be wise how they use their star running back. It's likely that if Jackson is out, Ekeler and Gordon will share the bulk of the workload, with Ekeler taking a higher percentage of snaps.
Follow Us
Subscribe