Melvin Gordon vs. Mike Boone: Who Will Lead Broncos' Backfield With Javonte Williams Injured?
By Peter Dewey
Things continue to get worse for the Denver Broncos in the 2022 season, as they have reportedly lost starting running back Javonte Williams to a torn ACL via NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
#Broncos RB Javonte Williams suffered a torn ACL in Sunday’s loss to the #Raiders, per source. His season is over. pic.twitter.com/4z8SgHnPhr
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 3, 2022
Williams left the team’s Week 4 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half, and was almost immediately ruled out.
Denver’s offense finally showed some promise in Week 4, but the team was unable to overcome a massive lost fumble by running back Melvin Gordon in the loss. Gordon’s fumble, which came with Denver driving and the game tied at 10, was run back for a touchdown by the Raiders.
Gordon would normally be the automatic answer to replace Williams in the lineup, but ball security issues (four fumbles this season) have potentially changed things. Gordon was benched in Week 4 in favor for Mike Boone after Williams went down.
This is sad fr. Melvin Gordon needs to get his head right. pic.twitter.com/wBLtGSnPRo
— 15-2 until proven otherwise (@ElwaysEarlobes) October 3, 2022
Boone played nine more snaps than Gordon in Week 4, carrying the ball three times for 20 yards. He also caught a pass for nine yards on three targets.
Boone out-snapped Melvin Gordon 19 to 10…
— SAL VETRI (@SalVetriDFS) October 3, 2022
Gordon was dealing with injury in this game…
But Boone was the primary back in the 4th quarter.
Here’s what you need to know:
Gordon saw just three carries in the game and one target, and he looked to be out of the offensive game plan following the fumble.
Williams (4.3 yards per carry) has clearly been the most effective runner for Denver this season, and it’s likely the team uses a committee approach with Gordon and Boone to replace him. That being said, if Gordon continues to land in head coach Nathaniel Hackett’s dog house for fumbling issues, Boone could be the more valuable add.
In addition to that, Boone saw a lot of passing down work in Week 4, which could be a sign that he will replace Williams in that capacity. Through four games, Williams had seen 22 targets and made 16 receptions. That's massive volume, and a good sign for prop bettors and fantasy owners who are looking for yardage or reception props with Gordon and Boone.
Denver has a short turnaround, as it takes on the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday Night Football in Week 5.
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