Running back Melvin Gordon (shoulder, hip) could be trending toward playing in the Broncos' Week 14 matchup against the Lions, which carries major implications for fantasy football and Javonte Williams Season.
Melvin Gordon Injury Report
Gordon missed practice all of last week while dealing with shoulder and hip injuries. He was questionable and eventually ruled out of the Broncos' Week 13 game against the Chiefs. As a result, Williams took on the featured role as the unrivaled back and did not disappoint. He saw 23 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown and tacked on six catches for 76 yards, finishing as the top running back for the week in half PPR.
This backfield has been a bit of a pain point for fantasy purposes all season. Although the Broncos have leaned heavily on the run this season, the pair have been splitting work and snaps as a committee. However, Williams had been trending toward usurping Gordon as the alpha even before the injury.
Gordon returned to practice in a limited fashion, as expected, on Wednesday.
"He did good," head coach Vic Fangio said of Gordon's Wednesday practice. "I think he's progressing."
He was a limited participant again on Thursday and told the media that he feels like he will "be able to go," per Broncos beat reporter Nick Kosmider. All signs point toward Gordon being active come Sunday against Detroit.
Worry-o-meter: 2 out of 5.
Melvin Gordon's Fantasy Outlook
If Active
Gordon suiting up actually complicates things for fantasy football purposes. He would likely shoulder less than 50% of the workload, a trend that was occurring before his Week 13 absence and Williams' subsequent explosion. The matchup is great against the Lions, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points to running backs this year. Gordon would be considered an RB3 while Williams would be knocked into the RB2 tier if both are active.
If Inactive
Williams would be the focal point of this offense if Gordon were to sit out a second week. He would be a low- to mid-range RB1 with upside in this juicy matchup.
