ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Running back Melvin Gordon III will miss the Broncos' prime-time battle with the Chiefs, as the team announced Saturday that the starter has been downgraded to out.
Gordon, who did not participate in practice all week as he works through shoulder and hip injuries, will not travel with the team. He was listed as doubtful on the team's Friday injury report before being ruled out.
The veteran back is the team's leading rusher with 605 yards and five touchdowns on 135 carries. He's also recorded 166 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver, and his seven total touchdowns lead the team.
In his stead, rookie Javonte Williams is expected to make his first career start, as Head Coach Vic Fangio said Friday. Fangio said that his confidence in Williams is "really high."
The 2021 second-round pick has recorded an impressive 4.9 yards per carry on 117 rushes for a total of 568 yards and two touchdowns. Like Gordon, Williams has also been dangerous through the air; the North Carolina product has caught 27 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown.
