Denver's Melvin Gordon: 'I've still got the juice'

The Denver Broncos have a new ownership group, head coach and quarterback. So, does former Pro Bowl running back Melvin Gordon still fit in their plans?

“I think they have a plan on what they want heading in, but as far as the rotation goes, I really don’t know,” Gordon said in a news conference earlier this week. “I think they want Vonte (running back Javonte Williams) to be the guy, but we do rotate.” 

The Broncos signed Gordon to be their feature back in 2020. He led the team in rushing yards with 986, but that didn't stop the Broncos from drafting North Carolina star Javonte Williams in the second round in 2021.

The combination shared carries in 2021, but by the end of the season, the Broncos relied more on Williams. In the past two seasons, Gordon has fumbled seven times. A fumble by Gordon in the final game last season against Kansas City led to the Broncos' 13th straight loss to their AFC West rival. 

In the offseason, Denver did not re-sign Gordon to a one-year deal until late April.

Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett likes to rotate running backs. Aaron Jones, A.J. Dillon and Jamal Williams shared touches while he was the Packers’ offensive coordinator. He might try a similar strategy with Gordon and Williams. The only concern is Gordon’s durability and age. The eight-year veteran turned 29 in April. Running backs tend to wear down as they near 30.  

Gordon’s outlook remains positive in the face of uncertainty. 

“I know I’ve got the game. I know I can play. I know I’ve still got the juice, man.," he said.