With Melvin Gordon looking likelier to make his debut earlier than expected, the Chargers took the official step by activating him in advance of their Week 4 game against the Dolphins.
The team announced the activation, along with the promotion of wide receiver Andre Patton from their practice squad. The Bolts waived cornerback Dontae Johnson and defensive end Chris Peace to make room on the 53-man roster.
Los Angeles’ initial Gordon plan was for a Week 5 debut, but with Justin Jackson out with a calf injury, Gordon is expected to play in a limited capacity. This is indeed the plan, per USA Today’s Mike Jones (on Twitter). The Bolts pulled a contract offer off the table and said they would not negotiate with Gordon until after the season, which stands to push the two-time Pro Bowler to free agency. But for now, the fifth-year running back will be positioned to help his team move to .500 and re-route its season.
Gordon will team with Austin Ekeler against the woeful Dolphins, who are 14.5-point home underdogs. This duo combined for more than 2,300 scrimmage yards last season. Anthony Lynn confirmed Gordon will return to his starting role soon, but on Sunday, the Chargers will likely keep Ekeler in the lead role.
Put a player into an nfl game, regardless of a modified capacity, after skipping all offseason workouts, training camp, preseason, three regular season games…… and gets in ONE practice before seeing game action??
….. this can’t POSSIBLY end with injury…
break a leg, Melvin!
Pretty sure Zeke had 1 padded practice and he’s fine
Pretty sure there are FAR FAR FAR FAR more example of a player holding out and then getting injured when they jump back into game action. For the chargers, see: Joey Bosa.
Maybe they forgot already
I think the Chargers should just trade him. They are going to have to give him a big contract and he hasn’t shown the best attitude. Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson were looking good at running back and I like the look of Ekeler there. Gordon could get the team a decent return if they traded him