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Melvin Gordon has decided to end his hold out and return to the Los Angeles Chargers, and with the Chargers at 1-2 and in desperate need to turn things around, it seems like great timing.
Gordon won't be available for this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins (not that the Chargers should need him), but he will be good to go for Week 5 against the Denver Broncos.
The question is, how much does Gordon's return impact Los Angeles' offense?
Obviously, it's nice to have Gordon back for the simple fact that he is another weapon in the backfield. Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson have done a great job in his stead, and while their touches will certainly be decreased with Gordon's return, they will still be a part of the offense and will provide Anthony Lynn with some nice depth.
But the thing is, Gordon is not an elite running back. He is not Saquon Barkley or Ezekiel Elliott. He is merely a decent running back who can also catch the ball out of the backfield.
That's all well and good, but it's not going to solve the Bolts' biggest problem right now, which is injuries to their receiving corps.
Tight end Hunter Henry is on the shelf with a knee injury, and wide receiver Mike Williams has been battling a nagging back issue, leaving Keenan Allen as Philip Rivers' only reliable receiver (outside of the running backs).
So, how much will Gordon actually help?
We also have to keep in mind that Gordon has not played since last season. He didn't take part in training cap, he didn't play in the preseason and he has not been on the field for any of LA's first three games.
There is likely going to be some rust when he returns in Week 5, and it might take him a couple of weeks to find his sea legs.
If Gordon is going to have a significant impact, we probably won't see it until midway through the season, and by that point, who knows what will be going on with the Chargers as a team.
Really, Gordon has not been anything more than above average as a rusher, as he owns a career average of four yards per carry through four seasons.
Plus, considering the fact that Ekeler and Jackson have both been really good in Gordon's absence, the running game has not really been a problem for the Chargers.
Gordon will be another piece of the puzzle, but he won't be the guy who puts the Chargers over the top.
