Melvin Gordon addresses being benched vs. Chargers

Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon III. Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos RB Melvin Gordon on benching: 'I could've helped make a difference but apparently not'

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 10/18/22

With Javonte Williams done for the season due to a torn ACL, Melvin Gordon was expected to take over as the Denver Broncos lead running back.

That wasn't the case during the team's 19-16 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on "Monday Night Football" in Week 6, as Gordon was limited to just three carries for eight yards and eight snaps, all of which came in the first half.

The former two-time Pro Bowler with the Chargers said he was highly disappointed with the decision to relegate him to the bench.

Melvin Gordon had 3 carries for 8 yards tonight. They all came in the first quarter.

"It was a close game. I felt like I could've helped make a difference but apparently not." pic.twitter.com/kMLNzpGybv
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) October 18, 2022

"I'm not going to lie it hurt a little today watching. They threw up the little clown logo with my face up there and I noticed it all. It sucked."

Melvin Gordon on facing the #Chargers and the loss tonight. @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/7JcaNFdr19
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) October 18, 2022

Gordon was selected 15th overall by the Chargers in the 2015 NFL Draft and spent the first five seasons of his career with the team. The 29-year-old earned Pro Bowl honors in 2016 and 2018 while posting career highs in rushing attempts (284), rushing yards (1,105), targets (83), receptions (58), receiving yards (476), and yards from scrimmage (1,581) in 2017.

In six games (two starts) this season, Gordon has recorded 55 carries for 201 yards and one touchdown, while adding 11 catches for 98 additional yards through the air.

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