Chargers

Chargers RB Melvin Gordon To Play Limited Snap Count In Week 4

September 28, 2019

Mike Jones reports that the Chargers are planning to play RB Melvin Gordon on a limited snap count in Week 4’s game.

Yesterday, Chargers HC Anthony Lynn admitted that “there’s a chance” Gordon could suit up, so the running back has quickly trended toward playing since ending his holdout last week.

“I’ve said all along there’s a chance,” Lynn said. “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.”

“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 added.

Los Angeles has already ruled out RB Justin Jackson for Sunday’s game, which leaves the Chargers short at running back.

“We do what we gotta do to win,” Gordon said Friday when asked if he’d be ready to play if called on. “For the most part, I think I’ll be alright.”

The Chargers officially activated Gordon from the reserve/ did not report list on Thursday and received a two-week roster exemption for Gordon before they need to add him to their active roster.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Gordon is liable for $1.2 million in fines and could lose out on $989,118 worth of base salary for holding out through the first three games.

Gordon can still earn $4,615,882 of his base salary this year, and Schefter reports he plans to become a free agent next season if the Chargers allow him to leave.

Gordon, 26, is a former first-round pick out of Wisconsin by the Chargers in the 2015 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year $10.669 million rookie contract that was fully guaranteed and made a base salary of $1,889,967 for the 2018 season.

The Chargers picked up Gordon’s fifth-year option this past May worth $5,605,000 for the 2019 season.

In 2018, Gordon appeared in 12 games for the Chargers and rushed for 885 yards on 175 carries (5.1 YPC) to go along with 50 receptions for 490 yards receiving and 14 total touchdowns. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 7 running back out of 62 qualifying players in 2018.