Denver Broncos running back Melvin Gordon III. Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos RB Melvin Gordon III plagued by 'fumblitis'

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Oct 5, 2022 2:07 PM ET

Denver will start former Pro Bowler Melvin Gordon III in place of running back Javonte Williams, who is out for the season with a torn right ACL. Is he up to the role?

Gordon III isn't a bad player, but one major problem has haunted him: fumbles. He has fumbled four times this season, losing two. His fourth, against the Raiders, was returned 68 yards for a touchdown. He has fumbled five times in his past 44 carries dating to 2021, per Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post.

Melvin Gordon with his FOURTH fumble on the year, and LV takes it back for 6pic.twitter.com/0T3xHtxak6
— The Game Day NFL (@TheGameDayNFL) October 2, 2022

Following the 32-23 loss to the Raiders, Gordon III was overcome with emotion and exited a news conference early.

#Broncos RB Melvin Gordon when asked about how frustrated he is: pic.twitter.com/cBu4RNqeHa
— Justin Churchill (@ChurchillAtoZ) October 3, 2022

Denver recently signed Latavius Murray, also a former Pro Bowler, from the Saints' practice squad to bolster their depth at running back. Perhaps this also signals the Broncos don't fully trust Gordon III.

On Tuesday, quarterback Russell Wilson tried to silence concerns and inspire Gordon to recapture his prime form.

"I told him the truth," Wilson said. "The truth is he's one of the best running backs to play this game."

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

More must-reads: