There is no end in sight to Melvin Gordon's holdout from the Los Angeles Chargers, and that has given the other backs in the room a chance to step up. On Thursday it was reported that Gordon had requested a trade from the team so there is a chance that he might never put on the Chargers jersey again.

With Gordon away from the team, it has been Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson who have taken the majority of the reps and they both have enjoyed the extra work.

“Definitely, (a good opportunity) for all of us,” Jackson said Thursday after a joint practice with the Rams via NFL.com. “Obviously when (Gordon's) here, he gets the majority of the first-team reps. Just for us to be able to mesh with the offensive line and all those guys. The more reps you get, the more comfortable you are playing with the guys around you.”

Article Continues Below
More Chargers News
Los Angeles Chargers receiver Tre Harris (9) looks on during offseason workouts at The Bolt.
1 Los Angeles Chargers rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicampJaren Kawada ·
Joey Bosa in the middle, Justin Herbert and Coach Jim Harbaugh around him, Stormy skies in the background
Los Angeles Chargers’ riskiest move in 2025 NFL offseasonEnzo Flojo ·
Ranking best Keenan Allen fits late in 2025 NFL free agency, Keenan Allen
Ranking best Keenan Allen fits late in 2025 NFL free agencyChris Spiering ·
Chargers trade proposal lands Jaire Alexander from Packers
Chargers trade proposal lands Jaire Alexander from PackersChris Spiering ·
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman (6) waves to the stands after the Chargers defeated the Tennessee Titans at SoFi Stadium.
Chargers get exciting Denzel Perryman injury updateBenjamin Adducchio ·
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh talks to quarterback Justin Herbert (10) after a victory over the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Los Angeles Chargers 3 best trade targets to round out 2025 rosterRB Hayek ·

One guy who has taken notice of the young running backs is coach Anthony Lynn who has been impressed with the young backs camp so far.

“They're working hard,” Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said. “(Jackson) is doing a good job and Austin had a couple of nice runs today. I'm really happy with the development of some of these young guys.”

Both Ekeler and Jackson are entering their second year with the team and will be counted on heavily this season if Gordon never reports. Even if Gordon does end his holdout they both should still get a lot of playing time, and some could make an argument that it is the best running back room in football.