After signing a two-year, $16 million contract in March, Melvin Gordon is poised to serve as the Broncos’ starting running back this season. That doesn’t mean Phillip Lindsay won’t be utilized as well.
“I’m all for adding good players at every position,” offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur said on June 11. “I feel like Phillip Lindsay’s an outstanding player that we can hand the ball or throw the ball to. The fact that we have two running backs now that can be very explosive with the ball in their hands whether you throw it or run it, I think is a good thing.
“I really do think you need more than one running back. Royce Freeman obviously did a great job last year as well. We’re going to try to utilize both and all three of them and try to utilize their skills.”
Gordon will likely serve as the RB1 but Lindsay will get plenty of touches. Shurmur also mentioned Freeman but it’s hard to imagine Freeman getting as much playing time as Lindsay or Gordon this season.
Freeman will likely serve as a third-string running back, primarily on the game day roster in case Gordon or Lindsay suffers an injury.
