Fantasy Alert: Melvin Gordon to Be Chargers' Starting RB After End of Holdout

After reporting to Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday following an extended contract standoff, running back Melvin Gordon will be reinserted atop the depth chart despite Austin Ekeler's solid start to the season. 

"He's our starter. No doubt," Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn said Thursday, per ESPN's Field Yates. "He was our starter for a reason ... as soon as Melvin's ready, he'll go back. He'll go back to number one."

Gordon is not expected to play Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

"I don't think you just walk in camp and just play right away without going through any practice," Lynn told reporters Wednesday, per ESPN's Eric D. Williams. "You can run and do all the drills you want, but it's hard to simulate real football."

As Gordon's holdout lasted into the regular season, Ekeler took full advantage of his opportunity. He piled up 160 rushing yards, 208 receiving yards and four total touchdowns in three games. Those numbers helped him be one of the top running backs in fantasy football leagues, per PFF Fantasy Football:

For at least one more week, Ekeler figures to be the main option in the Chargers backfield. But the Chargers will soon add someone who has been one of the best running backs in the league for the last few seasons. 

Gordon has averaged 996 rushing yards, 462 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns over the past three seasons, earning a pair of Pro Bowl nods in the process. He managed 885 rushing yards in 12 appearances last year and averaged a career-high 5.1 yards per carry.

"We're a better team with him, for sure," Lynn told The MMQB's Albert Breer.

As well as Gordon has played thus far in his career, it only helps the Chargers that he will be motivated by the opportunity to earn a nice payday next offseason. The 2015 first-round pick is in the final year of his rookie contract and "expects 2019 will be his final season with the Chargers," according to ESPN's Josina Anderson (via Williams).