Melvin Gordon is somehow still Denver’s starting RB, according to Paton

For as much as Broncos fans are done with Melvin Gordon in Denver, the decision makers don’t feel the same way.

When GM George Paton traded edge-rusher Bradley Chubb to the Dolphins on Tuesday for a package that included a first-round pick, he also got back another asset. The Broncos acquired running back Chase Edmonds in the deal. Edmonds wasn’t anything special for Miami, but he’s another capable NFL back with 4.5 years of pro experience under his belt.

That means Denver’s running back room now features Edmonds, Latavius Murray, Marlon Mack and Gordon. Both Javonte Williams (done for the year) and Mike Boone (on IR) are hurt. The group looks a lot different than what folks imagined at the beginning of the year.

But with the addition of Edmonds, many thought Gordon’s time in Denver might be coming to an end. Not only have his constant fumbling issues cost the Broncos games, but he’s also averaging just 3.5 yards per carry. That’s near the bottom of the NFL.

Gordon can’t hold onto the ball with four fumbles, and he’s no longer an effective running back at 29-years-old. There’s a reason he sat on the free agent market for about a month until Paton made a surprise decision to re-sign him.

At his press conference on Tuesday, Paton was asked what the Edmonds addition meant for Gordon moving forward. His answer was an interesting one.

“It doesn’t affect Melvin at all. It just brings more competition. I think Edmonds complements what we have. He’s a little different than what we have in Melvin. We like Melvin and he’s still going to be our starter. He and Latavius will rotate. This will be another piece to the puzzle. This will be a good compliment,” Paton said.

Not only is Gordon still on the team, but he’s still the starter. This reminds me of a couple weeks back when Gordon was benched in Los Angeles, pouted and then given his starting job back by head coach Nathaniel Hackett. He ran for only 33 yards against the Jets and 29 yards against the Jaguars after that puzzling decision.

At this point, who knows why Paton and Hackett are such big Gordon fans? It doesn’t add up. Maybe it will take one more fumble and then he’ll finally be let go. Or maybe not.

It’s hard to figure out this team’s plan at running back right now, particularly when it comes to Gordon.

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