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Chargers expected to hold out RB Melvin Gordon (ankle) today for precautionary reasons. Branden Oliver's workload to see largest jump.
— Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) October 25, 2015
Huh.
Well, all week I've been telling people not to be surprised if the San Diego Chargers bench rookie RB Melvin Gordon against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday and call it an injury, and I guess that's what happening here.
What's interesting is that they're not saying he's too injured to play, just that they're being safe with him. That's yet another case of the coaches throwing Gordon under the bus a little more than they actually have to.
Interesting. Gordon was certain he was going to play when he talked Wednesday. Said health/ankle was fine. https://t.co/PhfuqsTivq
— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) October 25, 2015
What will be interesting, if Branden Oliver has a big game against the Raiders (like he did last year), if Gordon loses his starting job and the snaps/opportunities that come with that. With Mike McCoy fighting to keep his job, he can't really afford to give Gordon back the job if Oliver outperforms him. Not this year, anyway.