The Indianapolis Colts are sorting through some issues of their own entering the regular-season opener, but the Los Angeles Chargers could very well be without their star running back in Melvin Gordon—who continues his holdout.
Looking either for a new contract or a trade, Gordon has been holding out since the summer. While the Chargers have made an offer to Gordon in the $10 million range, the latter has been seeking more than that.
As this holdout continues into the regular season, there is a strong chance the Colts will avoid having to face the stud running back, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
The Colts defense should be an improved unit and with more depth at all three levels of the unit, they will be looking to continue that regular-season streak of not allowing a 100-yard rusher in any game.
Gordon, who is one of the top running backs in the league, certainly has the skills to impact the game. However, the Chargers offense should still present a formidable challenge being led by the ageless Philip Rivers, who appears to be pushing away Father Time.
Gordon was well on his way to the most efficient season of his career before suffering an injury that would force him to miss the final four games of the 2018 season. He took 175 career for 885 yards (5.1 avg) and 10 rushing touchdowns while catching 50 passes for 490 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
The Colts gameplan will differ slightly if Gordon’s holdout continues as expected. They will have to deal with the duo of Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson in the backfield.
Even when Gordon was on the field, Ekeler had a role in the Chargers backfield. He’s an electric receiver, especially when it comes to creating yards after the catch. He should have a bigger role with Gordon out and should be a nice challenge for Darius Leonard in coverage—should the Colts implement some man-to-man.
Jackson could see some early-down work as well, but the majority of Gordon’s work could go to Ekeler. During the four games Gordon missed in 2018, Jackson saw double-digit carries just once.
The Colts have their hands full in stopping the Chargers offense, but they will likely have to do so without worrying about Gordon. Say what you will about a running back’s impact, that makes life easier on the Colts.
