With news that Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon was charged with a DUI and speeding Tuesday night, there is a possibility he will miss this week if the team chooses to suspend him for a game. That decision has yet to be made, but it is a possibility according to coach Vic Fangio.
If Gordon isn’t allowed to play, that would boost Phillip Lindsay to the starting job with Royce Freeman as his backup. Lindsay hasn’t played since Week 1 after suffering a toe injury, but practiced in full last week and would have played if the Patriots game hadn’t been rescheduled for Week 6.
Today, Fangio said that Lindsay has looked “real good” in practice, so all systems are go for him this week. The Patriots rank 18th in DVOA against the run, but have managed to to give up the fifth-fewest PPR points to running backs this season, as they’ve allowed one rushing touchdown and one receiving to the position. They’ve allowed over 4.3 yards per carry, but have managed to limit big games, but they are susceptible to the run.
If Gordon is out this week, Lindsay doesn’t become a smash start, but he does become a start, especially with four teams on bye. There is also some possibility that Gordon is suspended by the league for three games, which is the wording in the new CBA. Of course, the process for that suspension might not be during this season, as the NFL usually allows the legal process to finish before taking action in cases like this one.
Lindsay is rostered in 52 percent of Yahoo leagues, so there is a chance he’s available and if you have him on your bench, you may have a useful starter this week. His longterm appeal is still up in the air, as Gordon doesn’t look like he will be let go by the Broncos unless new information arises and the legal process could push a suspension into next season.