How to handle Melvin Gordon’s illness in Week 6 fantasy football

UPDATE: Melvin Gordon has been downgraded to OUT for Week 6. Phillip Lindsay will start in his place and Royce Freeman will serve as a complementary option. The Patriots have a solid run defense, but the Broncos are running short of weapons with Noah Fant also ruled out. Lindsay is worth a start simply for volume’s sake.

Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon is officially listed as questionable for this week’s game against the New England Patriots. But don’t let the tag fool you, he’s not going to play. He can’t play, because he didn’t even make the trip with the team. An illness, non-COVID, kept Gordon out of practice all week.

Fantasy impact: Broncos RB Melvin Gordon’s illness

Phillip Lindsay will make his return this week, and without Gordon, he’ll have the Broncos backfield all to himself. Lindsay has been out of action since Week 1 with a toe injury. Still, you should probably avoid Denver’s running backs all together this week, the Patriots defense has only allowed a single rushing touchdown this season.

Gordon should be back in action next week for a home game against the Chiefs. However, because of his recent DUI, he could be facing a suspension soon, so you’ll need to keep an eye on his status.