Melvin Gordon's holdout could last until late November, when the Los Angeles Chargers running back would have to report to make sure his contract does not toll for this year and he can become an unrestricted free agent after this season, sources told ESPN.

Related players: Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson

By rule, Gordon would have to show up 30 days prior to the end of the regular season for his contract not to toll, and that would mean he would return to the Chargers sometime before their Dec. 1 game in Denver against the Broncos. The story added the Chargers pulled their offer, but could change it and try to lure Gordon back sooner. If Gordon returns in November, he would play in the team's final five games, which would be in time for the fantasy playoff season.

For now, Ekeler appears to be the back to own, especially in PPR leagues, while Jackson is also expected to get time, likely early down work.

Change-of-pace back Austin Ekeler will get the start, and you can expect second-year pro Justin Jackson to get some touches against the Colts.

"I've always used those guys as a tandem," Lynn said. "That's not going to change. We're going to put guys in good positions to do what they do best."

Related players: Philip Rivers, Melvin Gordon

We're higher on Ekeler especially because of his pass-catching abilities. In our PPR rankings we put Ekeler 13th while Jackson is 35th. Look for Jackson to get some early down work with Ekeler at the very last playing in passing situations. But without Gordon, the story said the team will reply more on QB Rivers which potentially puts Ekeler in a much better spot.

The ESPN Chargers reporter Eric Williams believes that Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson would see a 50/50 split in work if Melvin Gordon's holdout lingers into the season.

Austin Ekeler was the starter in the Chargers first preseason game while Justin Jackson saw a few touches, including a short touchdown. ESPN's Eric Williams has seen more of a 50/50 split in camp, so maybe that's how it will end up, but at the moment the first preseason game should be more indicative of snaps. With Gordon out, we will get a good idea of how the snaps and touches are doled out with the next two preseason games.

Chargers RB Melvin Gordon, who injured his knee and came back in the game last weekend, is dealing with a little knee sprain. But it's nothing that makes his availability in doubt.

Related players: Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson

Gordon should get a nice-sized workload assuming he can stay healthy enough to remain in the game, but he's obviously not going to be 100-percent against the Patriots. After Gordon's touchdown against the Ravens, Ekeler and Jackson worked a couple of drives before Gordon came back in with the contest a one-possession game.

Melvin Gordon didn't last two Chargers possessions without getting dinged up in their 23-17 win over the Ravens.

The running back, who entered the game with a issue to his right knee, went down after his third run of Sunday's Wild Card matchup.

Gordon was attended to after a run to the 1-yard-line on second-and-goal. The injury appeared to be to his left knee.

Related players: Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson

Gordon later returned to the game in the beginning of the second quarter. He finished the game with 17 carries for 40 yards and a touchdown but didn't look himself. The Chargers get the Patriots next, but those looking to play Gordon have to wonder about both of his knees. Ekeler and Jackson are likely to get their share of the workload.

CHARGERS INACTIVES

RB Austin Ekeler
RB Troymaine Pope
C Cole Toner
TE Sean Culkin
WR Dylan Cantrell
DE Anthony Lanier
DT T.Y. McGill

RAVENS INACTIVES
QB Robert Griffin III
WR Jordan Lasley
OLB Tim Williams
LG Alex Lewis
RB Javorius Allen
DL Zach Sieler
FB/DL Patrick Ricard

Melvin Gordon and Keenan Allen are both active for the Chargers. They are safe to start for Week 16.