Los Angeles Chargers Pro Bowl running back Melvin Gordon held out throughout the duration of the team’s training camp and is now on the verge of missing the Chargers’ first two preseason games.
With both sides drawing a line in the sand, this one report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicates that no progress has been made in extension talks. Schefter also notes that Gordon is prepared to sit out through the start of the regular season.
The larger-scale issue here is that Gordon seems to be misreading the value of running backs in today’s NFL. Comments the former first-round pick made immediately after holding out proved this big time.
For their part, the Chargers are playing a PR game by indicating that they are more than happy with the combination of Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson holding down the running back duties. Gordon has countered by requesting a trade if no extension is finalized here soon.
The 26-year-old back is coming off three consecutive 1,300 total yards seasons, reaching 10-plus touchdowns each year.