After three full weeks, Melvin Gordon ended his holdout and returned to the Chargers. Though active last Sunday against Miami, Gordon did not touch the ball; instead, Austin Ekeler continued his early-season fantasy feast with another 122 total yard, 2 TD day.
The fantasy tides are about to change, however, as Gordon reassumes his lead back role. In all likelihood, Gordon will eventually monopolize ~70% of the touches, relegating Ekeler into his usual “handcuff with benefits” role. In this scenario, MGIII would reestablish his Top-7 overall value, while Ekeler would become a bench-outside-of-emergency option.
Indeed, Ekeler’s been wildly impressive. His total yards trail only Christian McCaffrey and Dalvin Cook, and Ekeler sits as the No.2 RB in fantasy).
Even still, HC Anthony Lynn left no doubt to who will lead his Chargers backfield now:
“Melvin’s our starter. No doubt,” Lynn said. “As soon as Melvin’s ready, he’ll go back. He’ll go back to number one.”
As well as Ekeler’s played, Gordon’s earned this immediate promotion. He’s finished as the RB7, RB5, and RB8 in fantasy over the past three years, and ranks second in touches and third in scrimmage yards and TDs over that span.
As a runner, Gordon is a slippery, tackle-breaking beast even in congested situations; he earned PFF’s only 80+ grade when rushing against 8+ men in the box with a 23.4% missed tackle rate. Plus, he’s a monster at the stripe and an excellent pass-catcher, racking up 12+ TDs and 400+ receiving yards in three straight years
Thus, Gordon should immediately slide back into his Top-7 RB status. He will have to shake some rust off, ala holdouts like Le’Veon Bell in 2017. Still, this is a Top-10 overall offense that funnels through the backfield. He’s going to feast, and ranks No.12 overall on my most recent Rest of Season Big Board.
Ekeler, meanwhile, falls into the 80s range. He’s flashed his supreme talent all year, but now faces far less secure volume. Still, Gordon’s missed time in all but one season, and Ekeler won’t just completely disappear. He remains a must-hold handcuff who’ll offer some usability in th right soft matchups.
