Melvin Gordon Rumors: Chargers RB's Holdout Threatens to Go into Regular Season

Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon's holdout could spill over into the regular season if he does not receive the contract extension he is seeking, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Gordon's agent, Damarius Bilbo, told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero earlier this month there is a "strong possibility" his client would sit out into the regular season if no extension were reached.

Agent Fletcher Smith told Schefter on July 11 that Gordon wanted either an extension or a trade and would not report to training camp until a resolution was reached. He followed through on his threat and was not present as Chargers training camp opened Wednesday, leading the team to place him on the reserve/did not report list.

Gordon, the 15th pick in the 2015 draft, is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract. He will make $5.6 million in 2019 under the fifth-year option but wants quite a bit more going forward:

Last season, Gordon piled up 885 rushing yards, a career-high 490 receiving yards and 14 total touchdowns in just 12 games. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry.

The 26-year-old has amassed more than 1,300 total yards and double-digit touchdowns in each of the past three seasons, and that earned him a pair of Pro Bowl selections.

Gordon has made no secret of his desire to get a new deal, telling reporters on June 11 that a holdout had not been ruled out.

According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, the current collective bargaining agreement permits the Chargers to fine Gordon $30,000 per day missed and one regular-season game check for every preseason game missed.

Los Angeles general manager Tom Telesco said Wednesday there is no bad blood between the two sides. He acknowledged the team is better with Gordon but noted the Chargers are willing to turn to other players, such as Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome, should Gordon's holdout last into the regular season.