Nobody has seen a similar struggle when it comes to NFL fantasy league drafting than Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard CJ McCollum. The 27-year-old Lehigh alum tweeted on Sunday asking Los Angeles Chargers star running back Melvin Gordon, currently holding out for a long-term contract with the NFL franchise, when he will be back on the gridiron. McCollum, entering his seventh season in the NBA—all with the Blazers—was wondering how Gordon's absence could affect the former's fantasy football team.

Gordon actually responded two days later, on Tuesday afternoon, telling the Blazers guard to keep him on “ice,” and that he would “hit [your] line” when things have changed.

In response, McCollum replied with well wishes for Gordon.

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Gordon joined Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott, a two-time league rushing yards leader, in holding out from each respective player's team's training camp and preseason, presenting their absences as an ultimatum to negotiate for new contracts. NFL holdouts are common due to the non-guaranteed nature of the league's deal along with the current era's defiance of the traditionally crucial position at running back.

Last season saw star running back Le'Veon Bell absent from Pittsburgh Steelers activities, eventually stretching out for the entire 2018 season. Bell would eventually be released at the conclusion of the season and earlier this year signed a contract as a free agent with the New York Jets. For Elliott's efforts, though, a new, six-year deal with the Cowboys appears to be in the works.

Gordon's sly comment about notifying McCollum, ostensibly having drafted the running back in his fantasy league, could signify at a rather long wait for a return.