COSTA MESA — Chargers coach Anthony Lynn and his former running back Melvin Gordon tried to downplay the magnitude of Sunday’s game in Denver.
It was just another game on the schedule between the Chargers (2-4) and Denver Broncos (2-4), they both said.
But it’s hard to believe Gordon doesn’t have an extra incentive to beat a Chargers team that let him walk in free agency, or that a head coach doesn’t badly want to end a seven-game losing streak against division opponents.
The Chargers return to Empower Field at Mile High this weekend, the site of their previous AFC West victory in the 2018 regular-season finale. The Chargers went 0-6 in the division last year and started 0-1 this season after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2.
This game means more, but perhaps the Chargers and Broncos were just glad there was a game still scheduled as of Friday evening.
Both teams canceled a practice this week because of a positive COVID-19 test to one of their offensive linemen. Lynn scrapped Thursday’s practice after offensive guard Ryan Groy tested positive on Wednesday night. Broncos coach Vic Fangio canceled Friday’s practice after offensive guard Graham Glasgow tested positive.
The Chargers placed Groy and offensive tackle Trey Pipkins on the COVID-19 reserve list. Pipkins was added to the list because he was in close contact with Groy. Pipkins could play in Sunday’s game if he’s cleared before kickoff. The Chargers didn’t have a positive test on Friday.
Left guard Forrest Lamp and backup quarterback Easton Stick were also deemed as close-contact players but were cleared for Friday’s practice. The Chargers plan to have a longer workout Saturday to make up for Thursday’s missed practice.
The Chargers’ first positive test of the season has created uncertainty for their starting offensive line.
Groy has filled in at right guard for Trai Turner, who was ruled out for the fifth consecutive game because of a groin injury. Pipkins has started the past three games in place of right tackle Bryan Bulaga, who was listed as questionable because of a back injury.
Lynn said Tyree St. Louis would likely start Sunday at right tackle if Bulaga and Pipkins aren’t available and mentioned Scott Quessenberry and Cole Toner as candidates to start at right guard. Offensive tackle Storm Norton could also be another option, but he’s questionable with a knee injury.
“Tried to be as normal as possible,” Lynn said about returning to practice Friday.
For Gordon, facing the Chargers likely isn’t as important as before because he’s had a rocky few weeks. Gordon was arrested for a DUI on Oct. 13 and missed the Broncos’ Week 6 game against the New England Patriots because of strep throat. Gordon fumbled twice in his return last week against the Chiefs.
“I try to do my best to walk a straight line and lead by example with things like that,” Gordon said about his arrest this week. “I’m a little upset that I even put myself in the situation (and) for it to be brought to others, including my family who was reaching out. I had a hard time dealing with it myself. Like I said, I hadn’t been in trouble before, so it was tough.”
Gordon was a star player for the Chargers for five seasons. He was well-liked by teammates, coaches and the front office, but when it came to agreeing on a contract extension, Gordon and the Chargers didn’t see eye to eye.
Gordon had a lengthy contract holdout last summer and struggled throughout the season. The Chargers moved on with Austin Ekeler, and Gordon accepted a two-year, $16 million contract from the Broncos.
It’s been a strange week for both sides, but the friendly banter between Gordon and his former teammates will likely pick up Sunday if everything goes according to plan.
“We’re gonna get a chance to hit (Gordon) a little bit and I’m pretty sure he’s gonna try to run angry, as he normally does,” Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward said.
Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen usually talks trash with cornerback Chris Harris Jr. when facing the Broncos, but Harris joined the Chargers this offseason after nine seasons in Denver. Allen will now direct his trash talk toward Gordon and the remaining Broncos cornerbacks.“It’s going to be fun,” Allen said. “A lot of talking. A lot of playmaking. Can’t wait. Excited for it.”
The Chargers will do plenty of talking, but they don’t plan on mentioning their AFC West losing streak.
“We talk about it a little bit, but the more we talk about it, the more salty we get,” left tackle Sam Tevi said. “All division games feel just a little bit bigger.”
Sounds like this game means more.
Chargers seek normalcy before facing Melvin Gordon, Broncos posted first on https://anaheimsignsorangecounty.blogspot.com
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