COSTA MESA, CA — Chargers running back Melvin Gordon broke his silence and spoke to the media on Friday after ending his 64 day holdout due to a contract dispute between himself and the team. Gordon returned on Thursday and practiced with the team twice. According to head coach Anthony Lynn, Gordon will travel with the team to Miami as they face the Dolphins and could play on Sunday.
Lynn specified that Gordon will be re-evaluated after a Saturday practice to determine his eligibility to play on Sunday. Lynn was also impressed by the way Gordon stayed in shape during his time away from the team.
“We understand that Melvin’s been back for a day and a half, so we have to be careful if he plays, how much he plays and even if he plays at all,” Lynn said.
The Chargers would have to place Gordon on the active roster by 4PM ET on Saturday in order for him to be eligible to play Sunday.
Justin Jackson has been ruled out of Sunday’s game due to a calf strain, which only two healthy running backs, starter Austin Ekeler and Troymaine Pope, on the active roster. The team will elevate running Detrez Newsome from the practice squad to the current roster.
Gordon said he decided to return because the team has a 1-2 record, but most importantly he missed football and missed his teammates. The holdout proved to be not in Gordon’s favor, however he’s ready to turn the page.
“Obviously there is no contract, so it’s obviously something I don’t want to speak on,” Gordon said. “All I can do is come out here and play ball and kind of let my skill take place and determine my future.”
Gordon is optimistic that a deal could be reached somewhere down the line, because he explained the Chargers changed his life by drafting him. He didn’t burn any bridges with the organization so this off season will be very interesting to see if Gordon continues to finish his career with the Bolts.
