Melvin Gordon Expected To Sign With Chiefs Practice Squad

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The Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly adding a running back for their final stretch of the 2022 season. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Melvin Gordon is expected to sign with the team’s practice squad.

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Gordon, an eight-year veteran, was recently waived by the Denver Broncos last week. He was in his third season with the Broncos. Yet, fumbles and a drop in production had grown for Gordon inside the Denver offense. After going unclaimed on waivers, the running back will now be on the third team of his career. Amazingly, Gordon has only played in the AFC West.

The Los Angeles Chargers drafted him in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. In five years with the Bolts, Gordon tallied 4,240 rushing yards and 36 rushing touchdowns on 1,059 carries. Afterwards, the ball carrier totaled 2,222 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns on 508 carries in two and a half seasons with the Broncos.

What could Chiefs fans expect from Melvin Gordon after his arrival in Kansas City? Plus, how does this particular move impact the ever-evolving running back position for KC’s offense? Let’s kick it off.

Current Play Style Of Melvin Gordon

Overall, Melvin Gordon is incredibly effective in between the tackles. He has a dense lower half, which allows him to gain extra yards after contact. Gordon also seems to be lethal when needing to squeeze through tight spaces. And despite his adequate size, defenses can sometimes lose him in those dirty areas, allowing him to break through for longer chunk gains.

He may not be as powerful of a runner as he was at the beginning of his professional career. Nonetheless, he can still bounce off of defenders and run through opponents. As that power has waned, Gordon still offers noticeable long speed when he is able to reach the open field. Can he win every footrace? No. But, Melvin Gordon offers plenty of potential with his cutback ability, spatial awareness, vision and patience.

That patience and vision is something that has been of note surrounding Chiefs rookie running back Isiah Pacheco. While Pacheco has shown improvement in those areas, Kansas City has been looking for more consistent timing when he hits the hole. Perhaps, Gordon’s veteran expertise will aid Pacheco going forward. Reading the field and recognizing what defensive fronts are doing could be where Melvin Gordon makes the most of his opportunities with Kansas City. While not an elite pass catcher, the Chiefs could also benefit from Gordon’s vision and patience in the screen pass game, if necessary.

How Does This Move Impact Chiefs Running Back Spot Moving Forward?

The Kansas City Chiefs running back spot seems to always be in some sort of flux. As does most seasons under Andy Reid, his team is largely going to rely on the passing game and a stout offensive line in the trenches. We have seen different names, due to different circumstances, thrive as a ball carrier with Reid in Kansas City. Names like Spencer Ware, Charcandrick West, Kareem Hunt and Damien Williams all had varying levels of success with the Chiefs. In recent years, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Darrel Williams shouldered the bulk of the load. Even Jerick McKinnon, and the aforementioned Pacheco have found times where they have given the Chiefs a jolt.

All of that to say, Kansas City will use different running backs for different roles. The hot hand is generally used, when it comes to the rushing side of things. At the same time, certain matchups and opponents can lead to an increase in touches for certain running backs, depending on their play style.

As a result, Melvin Gordon may be called up from the practice squad to the active roster in relatively short order. That does not mean that he will overtake Pacheco or even McKinnon. Yet, we could see this as a chance for Gordon to make a good impression on Kansas City heading into next year. If McKinnon or Ronald Jones do not return in 2023, perhaps Melvin Gordon could be a veteran depth piece that the Chiefs hold onto. We also have to wonder about the future status of Edwards-Helaire. Possibly, Gordon turns into a nice depth piece down the stretch this season.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.