Broncos running back Melvin Gordon III is nursing hip and shoulder injuries. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos RB Melvin Gordon (hip) doubtful at Chiefs; Javonte Williams likely to be RB1

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 12/3/21

On Thursday, Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio declared that star running back Melvin Gordon had a "50/50" chance to play in Sunday's prime-time game at the Kansas City Chiefs as the ball-carrier worked to recover from a hip injury.

Fangio downgraded his starter ahead of the weekend.

Per ESPN's Jeff Legwold, Fangio confirmed Friday that Gordon will be listed as doubtful for Sunday's affair:

Broncos coach Vic Fangio said after Friday's practice RB Melvin Gordon (hip/shoulder) will be listed as doubtful for Sunday's game in Kansas City. Gordon did not practice this week. Asked if Gordon would take part in Saturday walk-through, Fangio said: "We'll see, it's doubtful.'
— Jeff Legwold (@Jeff_Legwold) December 3, 2021

Fangio also added after Friday's practice RB Melvin Gordon wasn't simply listed as "out'' for Sunday night's game in Kansas City just in case Gordon could participate in Saturday's on-field work. But again he called that "doubtful.''
— Jeff Legwold (@Jeff_Legwold) December 3, 2021

Barring a significant status change over the weekend, rookie and second-round draft selection Javonte Williams will serve as Denver's RB1 in Kansas City. According to ESPN stats, Williams is second on the Broncos this fall with 568 rushing yards and 117 carries, and he's second among Denver running backs with two touchdowns on the ground.

The 21-year-old has also contributed 27 catches for 193 yards and an additional score.

Denver has won three of four contests and notched an impressive 28-13 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers last Sunday to improve to 6-5. The Chiefs, meanwhile, are 7-4 and hold a one-game advantage over the Broncos, Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders in the AFC West standings.

More must-reads: