FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 13: Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon III runs during the second quarter. The New England Patriots host the Los Angeles Chargers in an NFL AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on Jan. 13, 2019. (Photo by Stan Grossfeld/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Chargers’ running back Melvin Gordon has missed the first three games of the season due to a hold out, but he may be back soon.
The 2019 campaign has gotten off to a rough start for the Los Angeles Chargers, who are 1-2 after three games and were a few missed kicks from Indianapolis away from potentially being 0-3. Injuries to Russell Okung and Derwin James have played a role, but the Chargers also miss running back Melvin Gordon.
Gordon has been holding out since training camp in search of a new contract, but it sounds like his lengthy holdout may be coming to an end soon, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter
It’s worth mentioning no one had really anticipated Gordon pulling a Le’Veon Bell and sitting out the entire season, but there had been an idea he’d wait until the last possible second to report and accrue the year to get to free agency. Gordon’s choice to hold out was ill-advised, however, as his absence hasn’t played a huge role in the Chargers’ misfortunes.
Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson have done a good job in the running game without Gordon, with Ekeler gaining 368 yards from scrimmage and putting up four total touchdowns. Jackson has been a solid complementary runner, gaining 142 yards and racking up three scores on just 18 carries.
The Chargers will likely keep both players involved once Gordon returns since he hasn’t played competitive football since January’s divisional-round playoff loss in New England. Gordon will likely need time to work himself into game shape, so this could turn into a timeshare in Los Angeles.
That wouldn’t be good for Gordon, who needs to be the bell cow back to set himself up for a payday in free agency, or fantasy owners who have invested in the Los Angeles running game. Gordon may be able to gain a hero narrative if his return sparks a massive winning streak for the Chargers, but that is the only net positive that could be gained from the situation.