Chargers’ Gordon will end holdout
Melvin Gordon will end his holdout and report to the Chargers on Thursday, according to reports.
The two-time Pro Bowl running back was slated to make $5.6 million on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. That amount decreases by approximately $329,412 for each game he misses. Gordon is also subject to fines of up to $40,000 under the collective-bargaining agreement for each day he missed training camp.
GM Tom Telesco suspended contract talks with Gordon’s agents until after the season. Gordon was seeking an extension of $13 million to $14.4 million per season, which was equivalent to deals signed by Todd Gurley, David Johnson and Le’Veon Bell. The Chargers offered around $10 million per year.
Players must be on the roster for six or more regular-season games to accrue a season toward free agency, meaning Gordon would have to report by the Nov. 16 game against the Chiefs in Mexico City.
Gordon, 26, has gained over 1,200 yards from scrimmage and scored 10 or more TDs in three straight seasons, but the Chargers offense hasn’t sputtered in his absence. Austin Ekeler leads AFC running backs in yards from scrimmage and Justin Jackson is averaging 7.9 yards per carry.
ESPN reported that Gordon expects this to be his final year with the Chargers.
Ramsey leaves for birth: Disgruntled CBJalen Ramsey left the Jaguars to be with his family for the birth of his second child. The absence was approved by the team.
Ramsey missed practice because of an apparent back injury that coach SAM FARMER’S THURSDAY PICK Eagles (1-2) at Packers (3-0)
Packers 27, Eagles 24
Doug Marrone said he knew nothing about until earlier in the day.
But Ramsey’s agent, David Mulugheta, told NFL Network that Ramsey reported back and ankle issues during last Thursday’s game against the Titans, and he met with team trainers Friday.
Ramsey also missed practice Monday because of an illness, fueling speculation that he was making up reasons to skip. That came a little more than a week after he called his agent and said “my time is up here in Jacksonville.”
Brady’s age limiting: Patriots QB Tom Brady was limited in three of the last four practices, and cited his age as part of the reason why.
“Football is a contact sport. I wouldn’t say I’m a spring chicken anymore,” the 42-year-old Brady said with a smile. “I’m trying to just feel as great as I can and we’ll see how it goes tomorrow. I feel pretty good.”
Brady’s limited practice load seems to be part of the “roster management” coach Bill Belichick referenced in regard to the team signing free-agent QB Cody Kessler.
Steelers acquire tight end: The Steelers acquired tight end Nick Vannett from the Seahawks for a 2020 fifth-round pick.
Vannett, 26, has 48 catches for 463 yards and four TDs in four seasons.