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The Los Angeles Chargers welcomed back running back Melvin Gordon on Thursday as he ended his holdout heading into Week 4. This would eventually lead to a cutback in playing time for Justin Jackson, but a Wednesday injury is shaking the situation up even further.
Jackson suffered a calf injury in practice on Wednesday, and after a limited session on Thursday had to sit out entirely on Friday while wearing a walking boot. The team ruled him out for Sunday vs. the Chargers, and head coach Anthony Lynn said that could result in Gordon getting some limited work on Sunday behind Austin Ekeler, according to beat writer Eric Williams. Jackson could miss multiple weeks with the injury, according to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport.
Fantasy impact: The Dolphins are the worst team in the NFL by a long shot, and this could be a great game for the Chargers running backs. However, with Jackson out and Gordon coming off a lengthy holdout, this could be the Austin Ekeler show. Coach Lynn said Gordon would take the starting job back one he’s ready, so the team might be plenty comfortable with a heavy workload for Ekeler in potentially his last start for the Chargers.
Ekeler is a must-start this weekend. Gordon is not worth starting quite yet.