COSTA MESA, CA — Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers addressed the misunderstanding that swirled around comments that were taken out of context. On Thursday after a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints, Rivers addressed the issue and clarified comments regarding RB Melvin Gordon and his holdout.
“You always want to be as supportive as you can of your teammate,” Rivers said. “And at the same time, you’ve got to move forward with what you’ve got to do to get ready for the opener and beyond.
“So there’s a nice balance there. I know Melvin knows I’m pulling for him. And in saying that, that means you want what’s best for him, you want him to feel great, you want him to be at peace with how it all ends, and hopefully that’s right here.”
If Gordon still remains out, backup RB Austin Ekeler is currently at the top of the depth chart, with Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome behind him.
“I know Melvin knows I’m pulling for him,” Rivers said. “And in saying that, that means you want what’s best for him. You want him to feel great. You want him to be at peace with how it all ends, and hopefully it’s right here.
“He knows that. I doubt anything I said will make PFT [Pro Football Talk] headlines, but I think those that know me will know that’s what I meant all along.”
*Rivers competed for the third year in a row in the quarterback’s competition with Saints quarterback Drew Brees on Thursday.
