Melvin Gordon could play, have limited role on Sunday against Dolphins

Despite returning to the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, running back Melvin Gordon may play Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

Head coach Anthony Lynn told reporters Friday that Justin Jackson has been ruled out with a calf injury. As a result, Gordon may play and have a limited role.

With RB Justin Jackson ruled out due to a calf strain, Chargers HC Anthony Lynn said Melvin Gordon could play on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins in a limited role. Gordon, currently on the NFL’s two-week exempt list, will travel with the team to Miami.
— Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams) September 27, 2019

For fantasy purposes, this likely means a heavy dose of Austin Ekeler, with a sprinkling of Gordon.

Gordon has been away from the Chargers since the start of training camp. He held out for a contract extension and asked for a trade. However, nothing materialized on either front, and in fact he was fined heavily for the time he missed.

Being that Gordon is not in football shape, it would be unlikely that he carries the load this Sunday. However, Lynn has made it clear that when Gordon is in shape and ready to play a lot, he’s the team’s No. 1 running back.